Bonalu Arrangements Must be Ready by July 5: Ponnam

Hyderabad: Transport and BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Thursday set a deadline of July 5 to complete all arrangements for Ashada Bonalu, including works for the renowned Lashkar Bonalu at the Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad.

While Bonalu starts on July 7, the renowned festivities at the Ujjaini temple will be held on July 21 and 22.

On July 21, the Goddess' procession and Rangam activities would take place.

Ponnam said this year there could be an increase in the number of devotees due to the free bus facility.

Ponnam said the Ujjaini temple has offered bonam to Goddess Mahankali every year since 1830.

The government has released Rs.20 crore for the Bonalu festival.

He said heavy police bandobast should be in place during the procession.

Further, entry/exit gates, emergency gates, and multi-level parking facilities should be put in place.

The minister also asked for the people's cooperation to hold the festivities smoothly.