Hyderabad: The new state, and Hyderabad city, is decked up for its state festival, Bonalu, which commences on Sunday, June 29, in Golconda. It will be followed by Bonalu in Secunderabad and Lal Darwaza.
It has been a longstanding demand of the Telanganites to have Bonalu declared as a state festival, which has been approved a week ago by the TRS government.
Telangana women in the city are busy shopping in malls and stores which are offering discounts. The GHMC, along with temple authorities, is all set for the proceedings.
"The GHMC will ensure that the devotees are provided with temporary toilets and medical camps in crowded areas. There will be no power disruptions or drinking water problems," said GHMC chairman Somesh Kumar.
“This year is special and the celebrations will be held with great pomp and show, by decorating temple premises and adorning the deity with valuable ornaments made of silver, gold and precious stones,” said Venkatesh, general secretary Mahankali temple, Lal Darwaza. The temple has been under intensive watch by the local police ever since the burglary last year.
According to the assistant commissioner of the endowment department, “Of all the days, the temples see a large turnout of devotees on the two main days Bonalu Jatara and Rangam (the oracle). While the Jagadamba Mahankali temple at Golconda is visited by around two lakh people, the Lal darwaza Mahankali temple is visited by about five lakh people. The Secunderabad temple gets a footfall of more than 10 lakh devotees every year during the festival.
Bonalu, also known as Aashadha Jatara, is celebrated during Aashadha maasam in nearly 115 temples in the city including Akkanna Maadanna temple, Peddamma temple, Katta Maisamma, Gandi Maisamma to name a few.
The Telangana Tourism Development Corporation has launched Bonalu weekend package tours on June 29, July 13 and July 20.
