HYDERABAD: Golconda ?Bonalu?, the first in the month-long series of the annual Bonalu festivities in the twin cities got-off to a start at Sri Jagdamba Mahakali temple atop the Golconda Fort with religious fervour and gaiety on July 13.
BC Welfare Minister M. Mukesh Goud and Secunderabad MP M. Anjan Kumar Yadav offered prayers and presented pattu vastraalu on behalf of the State government. Devotees later took out a procession from Langer Houz crossroads to the temple and offered bonam, containing cooked rice mixed with jaggery in a pot and along with neem leaves and saka (pure water).
Potharajus smeared with vermilion and turmeric were cynosure of all eyes as they danced to the pulsating ?teenmar? drumbeats along with devotees. Temple Trust Board Chairman S. Muthyam Reddy said that celebrations would continue on Sundays and Thursdays till August 3. Police made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the procession.
Akkanna Madanna temple
Meanwhile preparations for the Bonalu festival and Mahakali Jatara were underway at old city'sfamed ?Akkanna Madanna Mahakali Mandiram?.
Addressing a press conference, G. Niranjan, president of the temple committee, said the celebrations would start with a Maha Abhishekam on July 18 and continue till July 28.
A procession carrying the ?Matha Ghatam? would start from Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Shalibanda for installation at Akkanna Madanna Mahakali Temple on July 20, where devotees will offer prayers everyday, said Shri Niranjan. The celebrations will conclude on July 28 with ?Rangam?, ?Potharaju Swagatham? and a procession.
