Hyderabad Bonalu 2026: Old City celebrates festival with thousands of devotees

The two-day Bonalu festival began in Hyderabad’s Old City on Sunday with thousands of devotees visiting temples. Women carried decorated Bonam pots, while Thottalu processions and Potharajus added colour to celebrations. Police made elaborate security arrangements for the festival.

Hyderabad: The two-day annual Bonalu festival began on a colourful and grand note in the Old City of Hyderabad on Sunday, with thousands of devotees thronging temples and taking part in traditional celebrations.

A festive atmosphere prevailed across several localities including Lal Darwaza, Uppuguda, Gowlipura, Puranapul, Chatrinaka, Doodh Bowli, Begum Bazaar and Madannapet. Since early morning, women carrying decorated Bonam pots on their heads were seen making their way to temples to offer prayers to Goddess Mahankali.

---

Long queues of devotees were witnessed at prominent temples including the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple and the Akkanna Madanna Temple. Devotees offered cooked rice mixed with milk, jaggery and curd to the Goddess as part of the Bonam ritual. The decorated earthen pots were adorned with neem leaves and topped with lamps.

The traditional Thottalu processions drawn from various colonies added vibrancy to the celebrations. Youngsters danced to drum beats, while Potharajus, smeared with turmeric and dressed in traditional attire, led the processions to major temples. Children and devotees followed the processions, joining in the festive spirit.

Several political leaders, film personalities and government officials visited the temples and offered prayers. Food distribution camps were also organised at various places across the Old City for devotees and visitors.

Elaborate security arrangements were made by the police to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, which will continue on Monday with more religious programmes and processions.

Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar on Sunday inspected the security arrangements at the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple at Lal Darwaza in connection with the Ashada Masam Bonalu celebrations. After reviewing the arrangements, he offered prayers to the Goddess and participated in special rituals at the temple.

Sajjanar said elaborate security measures had been put in place in and around the temple for 48 hours to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. He said the celebrations were progressing peacefully with the cooperation of devotees.