Bhadrakali temple 'Bonalu plan' stirs row: Locals, priests, MLAs call it against tradition; endowments dept urged to withdraw directive

WARANGAL: The Endowment department's directive to celebrate Bonalu at the historic Bhadrakali temple has stirred a row, drawing objections from local political leaders, priests, and citizens alike.According to official records, a memo was issued by additional commissioner of endowments, MMD Krishnaveni, to the executive officer of Bhadrakali temple instructing her to organise Bonalu celebrations at the temple, similar to the festival observed at the Lal Darwaza temple. Ruling party MLA Nayini Rajender Reddy reportedly approached Endowments minister Konda Surekha with a request to revoke the decision. "The Bhadrakali Temple is not just historic but also a deeply revered spiritual site for the local population. While Bonalu is an important festival, it has traditionally not been associated with this temple," he said.Meanwhile, the Warangal West MLA also weighed in, stating that Bonalu is traditionally celebrated in honour of village deities (grama devatas), not in temples like Bhadrakali, which hold a different religious significance.