High on beats & Belief: Bonalu culminates in colourful finale at Lal Darwaza; CM Revanth Reddy hails Telangana’s cultural spirit

HYDERABAD: The final phase of Bonalu celebrations at the historic Lal Darwaza Mahankali temple in Old City concluded on Sunday, drawing thousands of devotees.

Carrying decorated pots filled with cooked rice, jaggery, curd, and turmeric water, devotees thronged the temple lanes to offer prayers, accompanied by drum beats, chants, and colourful processions, marking the end of the Ashadam Bonalu.

Chief minister Revanth Reddy hailed the smooth conduct of the month-long festivities, calling Bonalu a true reflection of Telangana’s spiritual and cultural essence.

Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka offered silk garments to the goddess on behalf of the state and highlighted the allocation of Rs 1,290 crore from the Common Good Fund for temple development, including Rs 20 crore for Bonalu in Greater Hyderabad.

IT and industries minister D Sridhar Babu noted that 2,783 temples received direct financial support for Bonalu-related initiatives.

The celebrations will conclude on Monday with ‘Rangam’, the traditional oracle ritual at Akkanna Madanna temple, followed by a grand procession featuring the ‘ghatam’ of Goddess Mahankali on a decorated elephant.