Bonalu 2025

The celebration dates back to the 18th century in the former Hyderabad State and is associated with the "Regimental Bazaar" and the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. In 1813, disease broke out in the twin cities, killing thousands of people. Just before this, a military unit from Hyderabad was stationed to Ujjaini, home to the famed Shiva temple of Mahakaleshwara. When this military unit from Hyderabad learned that the virus had reached their home country, they grew concerned for their life and the safety of their families. The soldiers stationed in Ujjaini prayed to the Mother Goddess at the Mahakali Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The battalion is supposed to have prayed to Goddess Mahakali to eliminate the plague, and if she did, they promised to install an idol of the goddess in the city when they returned home.

There are also differing accounts of the festival's genesis. This includes the mythological tradition that Goddess Mahakali returns to her family house during Aashada Maasam (Hindu month of Aashaada), which falls between late June and August, making this the best time to offer Bonalu to the goddess. This practice is similar to the big welcome given to a married daughter who goes to her parents' house every year for a vacation and is pampered by her parents.

How is Bonalu Celebrated?

Bonalu is commemorated in several regions of the city. The first Sunday of Aashaadam is celebrated at Golconda Fort, followed by the Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad and the Balkampet Yellamma temple in Balkampet on the second Sunday, and the third Sunday at the Pochamma and Katta maisamma temple near Chilkalguda and the Matheswari temple of Lal Darwaza in Hyderabad's Old City. Other prominent places for Bonalu celebrations include the Akkanna Madanna temple in Haribowli and the Muthyalamma temple in Shah Ali Banda. Lakhs of devotees visit the temples to pay their respects to Mahankaali.

During the event, women dress in traditional Saris, adorned with jewels and other embellishments. Teenage girls wear half-sarees with diamonds to emphasise the traditional elegance of the clothing. Some ladies face a trace spell, in which they dance with balancing pots to the rhythmic beats of drums in honour of the Goddess. The event begins in Golconda, where women carrying Bonalu are supposed to possess the spirit of Mother Goddess, and when they approach the temple, people pour water on their feet to pacify the spirit, which is thought to be violent. Devotees offer Thottelu. These are little, colourful paper structures supported by sticks and presented as a symbol of respect.

Festivities

The word ''bonalu'' means ''feast'' in Telugu showing the importance that food plays in the festivities, where special delicacies are prepared as offerings for the Goddess. The goddess is worshiped in different forms and specific rituals, or ''poojas'' are conducted to appease her.

Origin

The origin of the festival dates back to the 19th century when the region that is today Hyderabad and Secunderabad underwent the outbreak of a deadly plague. The residents of the two cities started praying to the Goddess to save them from the plague with special offerings. When the plague finally stopped, they devoted themselves to worshipping her in remembrance of her grace and mercy, dedicating several days to her memory every year after that. This is the origin of the festival of Bonalu.

A good credit score can help you secure lower interest rates on loans and credit cards.

Get Free Credit Score