Hyderabad Bonalu 2023! Discover the captivating celebration of Bonalu, a traditional festival deeply rooted in the rich history and culture of Hyderabad. Learn about the significance, rituals, and dates of this vibrant festival that brings together devotion and jubilation in the city of pearls.
What is Bonalu?
Bonalu is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in the city of Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is an annual event dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Mahakali. The word “Bonalu” is derived from the Telugu word “Bhojanalu,” which means “feast” or “meal.” During this festival, devotees offer special prayers, perform rituals, and make offerings of food in decorated pots and other items to honor the goddess and seek her blessings. Bonalu is known for its vibrant processions, traditional music, dance, and festive atmosphere that fills the city.
Why Bonalu is celebrated?
Bonalu festival in Hyderabad is celebrated to honor and appease the Hindu goddess Mahakali. It is believed that during the Bonalu festival, the goddess visits the city of Hyderabad to bless and protect its inhabitants from evil spirits and diseases. The festival also expresses gratitude to the goddess for her divine intervention and seeks her blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the community. It is a time for devotees to show their devotion, seek forgiveness for their sins, and offer prayers and offerings to the goddess with the hope of receiving her blessings and protection.
Telangana Bonalu Festival History
- The Hyderabad Bonalu history origin dates back to the 18th century in the former Hyderabad State, associated with the “Regimental Bazaar” and the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
- In 1813, a plague outbreak claimed many lives in the twin cities, prompting a military battalion from Hyderabad to deploy to Ujjain to pray to the Mother Goddess Mahakali for protection.
- The battalion vowed to install an idol of Goddess Mahakali in Hyderabad if she eradicated the plague, and it is believed that she did so.
- Upon their return, the battalion installed the idol and initiated the tradition of offering Bonalu to the goddess.
- Another version of the festival’s origin is based on the mythological story that Goddess Mahakali returns to her parental home during Ashada Maasam (late June to August), making it an auspicious time to offer Bonalu.
- This practice symbolizes the pampering of a married daughter who visits her parents’ home annually for a vacation.
Telangana Bonalu 2023 Dates
Bonalu starts with the Aahsda month according to the Hindu calendar and the goddess Mahankali is worshiped during the Bonalu 2023. The festival is also called Mahankali Bonalu 2023. The month-long Bonalu festival celebrations in Telangana start from 22 June 2023 to 16 July 2023. Also, here are some of the important dates to be noted.
- Old City Bonalu 2023 – 16th July Laldarwaza Bonalu
- Charminar Bonalu 2023 – 16th July
- Golconda Bonalu 2023 date – June 22nd
- Secunderabad Bonalu 2023 – 9th July Bonalu & 10th July Rangam festivities
Bonalu Festival Rituals in Telangana
The Bonalu festival of Telangana starts with Golkonda Bonalu at Jagadambika temple on 22nd June, then followed by Laskhar Bonalu, and ends with Laldarwaja Bonalu.
- Prominent temples in Secunderabad’s “Lashkar Bonalu” festival include Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam, Sri Gandimaissamma Temple, Sri Devi Pochamma Temple, Sri Muthyalamma Temple, Sri Peddamma Temple, Sri Dokkalamma Temple, Sri Muthyalamma Temple, and Sri Peenugula Mallanna Temple.
- Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple and Sri Devi Pochamma Temple are government temples, with government officials and legislators participating in the festivities.
- Gunfoundry and Kalasiguda areas celebrate Bonalu in the Sravanam month, differing from other parts of the city that observe it in Ashadam.
- Gunfoundry Muthyalamma Temple has a tradition spanning almost two centuries.
- The festival at Gunfoundry Muthyalamma Temple involves two days of celebrations, including the Thotela procession, Ghatam procession, Ori (village) Bonam, Rangam, Kallu Ghatam, Sare Gampa procession, and Gavurangam (Potharaju) events.
- The festival concludes with the Ghatam procession bidding farewell.
In conclusion, Hyderabad Bonalu is a captivating festival deeply rooted in the history, culture, and religious traditions of Telangana. With its origins dating back centuries, the festival holds immense significance as devotees gather to honor and seek the blessings of the fierce goddess Mahakali. The vibrant processions, devotional rituals, and community celebrations create an atmosphere of joy and spiritual fervor in the city. Hyderabad Bonalu 2023 stands as a testament to the deep devotion and cultural pride of the Telugu-speaking people, showcasing their unity and reverence for their ancestral customs. It is a time of gratitude, celebration, and seeking divine protection, making it an integral part of the cultural fabric of Hyderabad and Telangana.
