The state government has allocated Rs.20 crore to support 3,000 temples in celebration

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Bonalu festival, representing the rich culture and traditions of Telangana, commenced in a grand manner at Golconda Fort on Thursday. Traditionally, the celebrations kick off with an inaugural puja dedicated to Goddess Jagadamba Mahankali at the temple located in Langar House, Hyderabad, conducted on behalf of the State government. The festival is set to conclude with the final Bonam at the fort, featuring nine pujas held every Thursday and Sunday for the duration of a month.

To celebrate the beginning of the Ashada month Bonalu festivities for 2025, Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, along with Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Konda Surekha, presented silk garments to Goddess Golkonda Jagadamba Mahankali and conducted the first Bonam in the honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Konda Surekha remarked that Ashada Bonalu represents the essence of Telangana's culture and traditions. She expressed her hope that the blessings of Goddess Jagadamba would be bestowed upon the people of Telangana and the state government.

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar noted that the Bonalu festival during the Ashada month is recognised internationally, highlighting that Hyderabad's traditions and customs have gained popularity worldwide. He announced that the state government has allocated Rs.20 crore to support 3,000 temples in celebration of the Bonalu festival, which will be conducted on a grand scale across various temples for an entire month.

GHMC Mayor Gadwala Vijaya Lakshmi, Rajya Sabha Member Anil Kumar Yadav, BC Commission Chairman Niranjan, Principal Secretary ( Endowments) Shailaja Ramaiyar, Hyderabad Collector Dasari Harichandana, Police Commissioner CV Anand, senior Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao, Fisheries Corporation Chairman Mettu Saikumar, and other key leaders and officials were also present. Meanwhile, BRS MLC Kavitha also participated in the celebrations and presented Bonam to the deity Jagadambika Ammavaru.