HYDERABAD: Potharajus, bands, folk dances, convoys of chariots and thousands of devotees were the main features of this season’s first Bonalu procession, from Langer Houz to Jagadambika Yellamma Talli temple at Golconda fort.
Adding extra joy to the start of festivities, there was rain on those celebrating, and Thursday also saw the monsoon setting in.
After the procession reached its destination on Thursday afternoon, ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Indrakaran Reddy and Mohd Mahmood Ali presented silk clothes to Goddess Jagadambika.
Since the formation of Telangana state, Bonalu has become the state festival, Srinivas Yadav pointed out. “All the arrangements are under the direction of the government to conduct the Bonalu in a grand manner.”
He said that as per the directions of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, the government had provided Rs 15 crore to make arrangements for Bonalu. The Telangana state government is the only one provides financial assistance to private temples,” the minister said.
