Devotees throng Ujjaini Mahankali Temple for ‘Rangam’

'Baahubali' elephant stars as Bonalu procession passes off smoothly

Hyderabad: The historic Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad saw hundreds gathering to witness the annual Bonalu rituals, including the ‘Rangam’, colourful procession and special prayers by the Potharajus.

Right from the morning, devotees thronged the temple, and after 10 am, the Oracle, Swarnalatha, performed the ‘Rangam’. Next was the colourful procession led by the ‘Baahubali’ star Gajalakshmi Menaka. The 34-year-old elephant, which shot to fame after featuring in ‘Baahubali’ movie, was a major attraction on Monday with many straining to click a picture of the decked-up animal.

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The Potharajus with their vermilion-smeared bodies and dancing to the thumping ‘teenmar’ were also key attractions of the procession that went around the locality.

“Many senior citizens and specially abled people can’t visit the temple. This procession gives them a glimpse of the Goddess and allows them to seek her blessing,” a temple committee member said.

Devotees said they were a little apprehensive given the pandemic but the arrangements for a hassle-free darshan of the Goddess made them happy. “I strongly believe in this deity. The arrangements made were also up to the mark. I could offer prayers without any difficulty,” said P Himesh, a devotee.

The area in and around the temple was barricaded and a large contingent of police personnel deployed. Medical camps were also set up at the lanes which head towards the temple.
Each camp had a doctor, nurse and an Asha worker, who were seen distributing masks and sanitisers to the people heading to the temple.

Animal Husbandry Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, who was overseeing the event, said all precautionary measures were taken. “After Bonalu was declared a State festival by Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, elaborate arrangements are being made every year. Lakhs of masks and sanitisers were distributed, and even today, the distribution is underway,” the Minister said.

 

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