Bonalu 2024: People commemorate Bonalu annually in the month of Ashada Masam, which typically occurs in July or August according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, the festival will take place from July 7 to July 28. The festival primarily observes the Hindu Goddess Mahakali in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, as well as in other regions of the state of Telangana, in her honor. Women don their traditional attire, known as “sarees,” as well as jewelry and other accessories, to characterize the event with a festive and vibrant atmosphere. Women carry “Bonam,” a meal consisting of rice, milk, and jaggery, in earthen pots over their heads as offerings to the deity.
History of Bonalu Festival
Mahakali is the Hindu deity of destruction and doomsday, known for her fierce nature. Puranic and Tantric Hindu scriptures depict her origin as the primordial force of the universe. People regard her as the deity of time and describe her as an abstract energy. In the majority of Indian representations, she typically has a blue/black complexion, four limbs armed with weapons, a demon head and a skull cup, small fangs, disheveled hair, eyes filled with rage, and a lolling tongue. A necklace composed of 108 demon hands adorns her, and a skirt composed of demon limbs completes her outfit. Additionally, certain representations depict her with ten heads.
Thousands of individuals died in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad due to the outbreak of disease, leading to the establishment of Bonalu in the 19th century. The military deployed a battalion from Hyderabad to Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh immediately prior to this. Upon discovering the epidemic in the cities, this battalion invoked the deity at the Mahankaal Temple in Ujjain in order to eradicate the plague.
They prayed that the deity would oblige, and if she did, they would erect an idol of the goddess in the city. Mahakali is reputed to have eradicated the disease and prevented the spread of pestilence. The military battalion returned to the city and installed an idol of the deity. Subsequently, they presented Bonalu to her. This evolved into a custom that is still observed by all residents of Telangana.
Another legend posits that this is the time when the deity Mahakali returns to her parental home in “Ashada Maasam,” which spans from late June to August. Consequently, this is the optimal time to present Bonalu to the goddess.
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FAQs for Bonalu Festival
Which temples are particularly noteworthy during Bonalu?
The Sri Mahakali Temple in Lal Darwaza, Hyderabad, the Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad, and the Akkanna Madanna Temple in Haribowli are among the most notable temples.
What attire should I don to participate in Bonalu?
It is advisable to wear traditional clothing. Typically, women don sarees or lehengas, while men frequently don dhotis or kurtas.
Do Bonalu celebrations have any unique dishes associated with them?
The Bonam is a unique offering composed of rice prepared with milk and jaggery. Furthermore, the festival organizers prepare and consume a variety of traditional sweets and refreshments.
Activities for Bonalu Festival
Visit the state of Telangana
The festival of Bonalu distinguishes itself with its pure devotion, delicious cuisine, and colorful processions in the Indian state of Telangana. Visit highly recommended. Additionally, you have the opportunity to perform sightseeing throughout the state. You can commence the festivities at the Sree Jagadambika temple, which sits atop the magnificent Golconda Fort, which is fortunate for you.
Attend celebratory events in your community
Locate the nearest Hindu or Kali temples in your vicinity and attend the Bonalu festivities. If you desire, pay your respects and prepare to indulge in some delectable cuisine.
Host a celebration at home
You should prepare Bonam, a delicacy composed of rice, milk, and jaggery, at home. You should present your shrine to the sun deity and store it there if you possess one in your residence. Following the worship, a priest may decorate the mother deity and perform puja and Bonam in the temples.
5 Astonishing Facts About Bonalu Festival
- In the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Telangana, Bonalu is a significant festival that commemorates the worship of the deity Mahakali.
- The Hindu month of Ashada (June/July) is the festival of Bonalu. The celebrations typically commence on the first Sunday of Ashada and extend throughout the month.
- Potharaju, a male figure who is believed to be the goddess’s sibling, frequently leads processions, which are a significant feature. Potharaju, who is smeared with turmeric and vermilion, dances energetically to the rhythmic rhythms of drums, guiding the devotees.
- The vibrant and festive atmosphere of the festival is characterized by traditional dance forms, such as the energetic Potharaju dance, and folk music.
- Although Mahakali is the primary deity venerated during Bonalu, other deities, such as Pochamma and Yellamma, are also revered and offered prayers.
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