Hyderabad Bonalu 2026 concludes with Mahankali ghatam immersion in Musi River

Hyderabad’s Old City witnessed a grand conclusion to its Bonalu festivities as Mahankali ghatams were taken in a colourful procession from Hari Bowli to Nayapul. Thousands of devotees gathered along the route before the ghatams were ceremonially immersed in the Musi River.

Hyderabad: The two-day Bonalu festivities in Hyderabad’s Old City came to a colourful conclusion on Monday evening with the ceremonial immersion of Mahankali ghatams in the Musi river at Nayapul.

The grand procession, marked by devotion, music and traditional performances, began near Lal Darwaza and proceeded towards Nayapul. The ghatams of several Mahankali temples, including the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple and the historic Akkanna Madanna temple at Hari Bowli, were taken out in the procession.

The ghatam of the Akkanna Madanna temple, carried on a caparisoned elephant, led the procession. It passed through Hari Bowli, Shahalibanda, Charminar, Gulzar Houz and Pathergatti before reaching Nayapul.

Thousands of devotees gathered along the route to witness the colourful procession and seek the blessings of Goddess Mahankali. The atmosphere remained festive as traditional drums, devotional music and cultural performances accompanied the procession.

Potharajus, dressed in traditional attire and smeared with turmeric and vermilion, led the procession with energetic dances to the beat of drums. Folk artists from different parts of Telangana also performed traditional numbers, adding to the festive spirit.

Hyderabad Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar flagged off the procession from the Akkanna Madanna temple at Hari Bowli. Senior police officials and personnel were present along the route to facilitate the smooth movement of the procession and devotees.

On reaching Nayapul, special rituals were performed before the ghatams were ceremonially immersed in the Musi River, marking the conclusion of the Bonalu celebrations in the Old City.