Hyderabad: Old City on Monday sported a festive look with several processions dotting its lanes as part of Bonalu celebrations. Among them, the procession taken out by Akkanna Madanna temple in Hari Bowli was one of the biggest.
To witness the event, several people thronged the bylanes of Hari Bowli. The huge procession had Thottelu (red hut-shaped decorative item) in the forefront followed by Gajalakshmi Menaka, the 34-year-old elephant, which shot to fame after featuring in ‘Baahubali’ movie.
There were several police personnel on horses marching before Menaka, which was surrounded by cops. Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar was also seen taking blessings from the elephant. The idol of the Goddess was placed on the elephant which headed towards Simhavahini Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza from Akkanna Madanna temple.
Residents said that they waited eagerly for the procession. “We wait eagerly for this Bonalu procession organised by Akkanna Madanna temple. Since decades, this programme is being held on a grand scale,” said Shekar Yadav, a resident of Hari Bowli.
“People who were unable to visit the temple can get a glimpse of the Goddess during the procession,” said a person in charge of the procession arrangements.
Scores of devotees thronged other temples in the Old City too. The temples that witnessed heavy footfall include Simhavahini Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza, Uppuguda Mahankali temple and Sri Kota Maisamma temple in Alijah Kotla.
The Potharajus with their vermillion-smeared bodies were dancing to the ‘teenmar’ band. They went around the temple and bowed to the Goddess. The streets in the older part of the city were decked up and bylanes were illuminated.
During the procession, people came out of their houses, offered garlands, coconuts and bowed down to the deity. Several people, from their terrace and balconies, showered flower petals when the procession passed in front of their house.
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