VVIPs Celebrate Bonalu At Mahankali Temple in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Celebrities from diverse fields and politicians of every hue took an enthusiastic part in Sunday’s colourful bonalu celebrations across temples in the city. The most patronised temple was the historic Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Devalayam in Lal darwaza, which, incidentally, celebrated its 115 Bonalu.

In keeping with their penchant, politicians took advantage of the occasion to deliver speeches, however brief, which were clearly aimed at winning votes in the ensuing Assembly elections. Endowment minister Indrakaran Reddy offered silk clothes and performed other rituals to the deity on behalf of the state government.

Speaking later, he said, “We prayed for the state’s overall growth and prosperity, timely rains, people’s well-being and their financial security.” He said that special funds were sanctioned for the development of the temple in accordance with the directions of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.  

TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy said, “In the last nine years, the Goddess has protected us from Covid-19, floods and other natural calamities. Over 60 per cent of the state’s revenue comes from Hyderabad. Keeping aside all political differences, each and every leader should strive for the all-round growth of the state.” He added that the Congress will strive to maintain religious and communal harmony and prioritise women’s safety.  

Congress leader Feroz Khan said, “Assembly elections will be held in September or November. After I win, I will visit my mother and Mecca Masjid and straightaway come to this temple and take the blessing of this Goddess. It was with her blessings, almost three decades back, that I have had a good political career.”

Meanwhile, there was a flutter at Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Devalayam, when police were caught by surprise following the unexpected visit of Chikoti Praveen Kumar, accused of running a casino and other illegal activities, along with his private security. Police detained three of them for carrying guns.

Other political leaders who offered prayers included Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Mohammed Mahmood Ali, Dr. K. Laxman, Marri Shashidhar Reddy, Bhatti Vikramarka, V. Hanumantha Rao, Gadwal Vijayalaxmi, several corporators and chairmen of state bodies.

The temple committee members felicitated all the VVIPS and greeted the devotees, who turned up in large numbers.