Commissioner Anand emphasized the peaceful conduct of Bonalu events across the city, including Golconda and Balkampet

The historic Lal Darwaza Bonalu festival, a vibrant symbol of Telangana’s cultural and religious heritage, was celebrated with grandeur in Hyderabad on Friday.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand participated in key rituals, including the Shikara Puja and Dhwajarohanam (flag hoisting). He noted the long-standing tradition of inviting the city’s Kotwal to the festivities, held at the revered Simhavahini Sri Mahankali Temple in Lal Darwaza.

This temple holds historical significance. In 1908, during a devastating flood and plague that claimed nearly 50,000 lives, special prayers were organized by the then Nizam Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, following the advice of Prime Minister Kishen Pershad. Miraculously, the floods and epidemic subsided, giving rise to the tradition of Bonalu celebrations in the Ashadha month, now over 120 years strong.

Commissioner Anand emphasized the peaceful conduct of Bonalu events across the city, including Golconda and Balkampet. He confirmed that comprehensive security arrangements were in place, with Special Forces, surveillance units, and coordination among departments to ensure a safe celebration. Additional personnel, Crime Branch officers, and She Teams have been deployed to prevent pickpocketing and harassment.

Coordination meetings were held with departments like Water Works, Electricity, R&B, and the Municipal Corporation for the Lal Darwaza Bonalu. Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Konda Surekha attended and directed officials to ensure all arrangements are made without any shortcomings.