Every state in India, is known for its unique cultural identity and traditions. The state of Telangana is no exception with its composite culture and age-old traditions. Bonalu is one such popular festival observed in Hyderabad and Secunderabad of Telangana state, dedicated to the Mother Goddess i.e. Shakti. This festival is observed during Ashada month of Hindu calendar, which usually falls in July – August.

The Bonalu Jatra dates in 2019 are July 7th, July 14th, July 21th and July 28t\h. The festivities began on July 4th at the Jagadambika temple of Golconda Fort. Bonalu in Telugu language means ‘food’. During this festival, women in large numbers offer food to the Goddess Mahankali. Bonalu Jatara which lasts for month also involves colourful processions and community feasts in the Twin cities.

Bonalu is first held at the Sri Jagadamba temple located in Golconda Fort, followed by rituals at the Ujjain Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad and finally the Matheswari Temple of Laldarwaja. These rituals are also performed at all other shrines of Goddess Shakti in the twin cities.The origin of this festival is traced to a major plague which is believed to have killed thousands of people in the city during 1869. People felt that plague was the result of wrath by the Goddess and started offering Bonalu to reduce her anger and please the mother.

Goddess Shakti is revered and worshipped as Mahakali or Mahankali in this region and is also popularly known as Pochamma, Yellamma, Peddamma, Renuka Amma, Mysamma, Ankalamma, Poleramma and Maramma.The offerings made to the Goddess consist of cooked rice, curd, jaggery, water and other dishes that are brought in the form of pots to the temples. These offerings are also believed to ward off evils and any epidemic outbreaks during monsoon.

The Bonalu procession is a highly colourful spectacle accompanied by thousands of people. The procession features Potharaju while people also depict various events of Puranas especially those events which are associated with Goddess Kali.The twin cities come alive with vibrant festivities of Bonalu, which shares a profound association with the religious and cultural fabric of the region. It is also a moment of joy, merry, divine fervor and spiritual exuberance as the rural and folk culture of Telangana, thrives during this festive season, which lasts for almost an entire month.