Hyderabad: Thousands of devotees from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad flocked to the Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad to seek the blessings of Goddess Mahankali on the auspicious occasion of Bonalu on Sunday. A large number of women carrying beautifully adorned earthen pots filled with Bonam (rice cooked with milk and jaggery) stood in serpentine queues since morning to have darshan and present Bonam to the presiding deity.
Minister for Animal Husbandry Talasani Srinivas Yadav offered the first Bonam to the Goddess. Later, addressing the media, he said the Bonalu festival is being celebrated with grandeur after the formation of Telangana state. He highlighted that on the occasion of Ashada Bonalu, he presented the first Bonam to Ujjaini Mahankali in Secunderabad.
The Bonalu holds significant cultural importance and after the formation of Telangana state, Chief Miniter K Chandrasekhar Rao declared it as a state festival. To ensure the safety of devotees, a heavy security of 1,500 police personnel has been deployed, along with CCTV surveillance. In view of the festival, traffic curbs have been imposed in and around the temple precincts.
Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and his daughter and MLC Kavitha paid a visit to Ujjain Mahanalli temple in Secunderabad on Sunday. Kavitha offered Bonam to Goddess Mahankali. Bonalu is celebrated with grandeur and gaiety. Since morning, thousands of devotees offered Bonhams to Goddess. Chief Minister KCR presented silk robes to the Goddess and performed a special pooja.
MLC Kavita visited the Mahankali temple and offer a golden Bonam to the Goddess and offered prayers. Ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav and Indrakarana Reddy accompanied CM KCR. Secunderabad Ujjain Mahankali Ammavari Bonalu is being celebrated on a grand note as part of the Ashadmasa Bonalu. Devotees attended the Mahankali temple in large numbers. Women offered Bonam to Goddess.
In the morning, the first Bonam was presented by the Minster for Animal Husbandry Thalasani Srinivas Yadav. Poturajus entertained devotees with their dances during the Ghatam procession. There was a festive atmosphere in and around the surrounding areas of the Mahankali temple. Union Minister Kishan Reddy, Ministers Indra Karan Reddy and Malla Reddy visited the temple. The temple is well-decorated with flowers. Police have made full arrangements to prevent any untoward incident. The state government has taken all precautions to avoid any inconvenience to the devotees.
