Bonalu Festival: A Celebration of Goddess MahakaliBonalu Festival: A Celebration of Goddess Mahakali In the vibrant state of Telangana, the Bonalu festival holds a special place in the hearts of its people. As a tribute to Goddess Mahakali, this grand celebration illuminates the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad every year. Dates for Bonalu 2024: * Start date: July 7, 2024 (Sunday) * End date: August 4, 2024 (Sunday) Fascinating Facts about Bonalu: * The festival begins and ends with special prayers to Yellamma, one of Goddess Mahakali’s regional manifestations. It is believed that the Goddess fulfills the wishes of her devotees during this time. * The term “Bonalu” derives from the Sanskrit word “Bhojanam,” meaning “meal” or “feast.” It symbolizes the offering of cooked rice, milk, and jaggery to the Mother Goddess in a decorated clay or copper pot. * Devotees worship various forms of the Mother Goddess during Bonalu, including Maisamma, Pochamma, Yellamma, and others. * The festival showcases a unique dance ritual, where trance-like women balance decorated pots on their heads and dance to the rhythm of drums. * Traditionally, a male buffalo was sacrificed to ward off evil spirits, but this practice has now been replaced with the sacrifice of roosters. * It is believed that women carrying the “bonam” embody the Goddess’s spirit, and people wet their feet to seek their blessings. Important Temples for Bonalu: * Jagadamba Temple, Golconda Fort * Yellamma Temple, Balkampet * Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, Regimental Bazar * Matheswari Temple, Lal Darwaza * Pochamma Temple, Chilkalguda * Katta Maisamma Temple, Chilkalguda * Akkannna Madanna Temple, Haribowli * Muthyalamma Temple, Shah Ali Banda As a significant religious and cultural event, Bonalu brings together devotees from all walks of life. It is a spectacle of colors, music, and devotion that leaves an unforgettable mark on those who witness it.
Bonalu is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in Telangana that honors Goddess Mahakali. This event is held every year in the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad as well as other regions of the state. It is celebrated during the month of Ashada Masam, which falls between July and August. This year, the Bonalu festival began on July 7, 2024 and will be celebrated till August 4, 2024.
Bonalu 2024: Start and end date
– Bonalu 2024 Start date: July 7, 2024, Sunday
– Bonalu 2024 End date: August 4, 2024, Sunday
Bonalu 2024: Interesting facts about this festival
– The first and last days of the festival are dedicated to Yellamma (one of Mahakali’s various regional forms). The celebration is also seen as an expression of gratitude to the Goddess for fulfilling wishes.
– The term Bhojanam, a Sanskrit loanword meaning “meal” or “feast” in Telugu, is contracted to Bonam. It is an offering to the Mother Goddess. In a fresh copper or clay pot decorated with neem leaves, turmeric and vermilion, and a lighted lamp on it, women cook rice with milk and jaggery. Carrying the pots on their heads, women present the Bonam, bangles, sari and turmeric vermilion to the Mother Goddess in various temples.
– Mother Goddesses like Maisamma, Pochamma, Yellamma, Peddhamma, Dokkalamma, Ankalamma, Poleramma, Maremma and Nookalamma are worshipped in Bonalu.
Bonalu is an important religious and cultural festival dedicated to the worship of Mahakali. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
– The twin cities commemorate Bonalu in different ways. On the first Sunday of Aashadham, Hyderabad celebrates with festivities at the Jagadamba Temple in Golconda Fort. The second Sunday is spent at the Yellamma Temple in Balkampet, the Ujjaini Mahakali Temple and the Gandimaisamma Temple in Regimental Bazar in Secunderabad. The third Sunday is spent at the Matheswari Temple of Lal Darwaza in the old city of Hyderabad, as well as the Pochamma and Katta Maisamma Temples in Chilkalguda.
– Other temples where Bonalu is worshipped are the Akkannna Madanna temple in Haribowli and the Muthyalamma temple in Shah Ali Banda. Every year thousands of devotees gather to pay homage to Mahakali.
ALSO READ: Bhagavad Gita Teachings on Love, Sex and Marriage; How the Gita Teaches to Control Lustful Desires and Manage Relationships
– Women dress up for this important event by donning traditional saris, jewelry, and other accessories. In honor of the native deity, some trance ladies dance while balancing pots, or bonam, to the beat of drums. In the past, people would sacrifice a male buffalo in front of the temple to ward off evil spirits. Today, roosters are sacrificed instead.
– It is believed that women who wear Bonalu carry the violent spirit of the Mother Goddess. When these women approach the temple, people wet their feet to appease the spirit.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its accuracy. Please consult an expert in the relevant field before taking any action.)
