Hyderabad: Old City Bonalu celebrations set to begin amid tight security

Hyderabad's Old City is gearing up for grand Bonalu celebrations on Sunday, with temples illuminated and elaborate arrangements in place. Thousands of devotees and several VIPs are expected, while around 2,000 policemen will be deployed to manage crowds and security.

Hyderabad: The stage is set for the grand Old City Bonalu celebrations on Sunday, with elaborate arrangements made by temple committees and the police amid tight security.

A large number of VIPs, including politicians, sports personalities, bureaucrats and film personalities, are expected to visit various temples and participate in the festivities.

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The lanes and bylanes of the Old City, particularly Lal Darwaza, Sultan Shahi, Hari Bowli, Bela and Uppuguda, have taken on a festive look, with temples and streets illuminated with colourful lights and decorations.

Large crowds of devotees are expected at the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in Lal Darwaza, Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Temple in Hari Bowli and Sri Mahankali Temple in Uppuguda. Temple committees, in coordination with the police, have made arrangements for orderly queues to facilitate hassle-free darshan. Separate queues have also been arranged for women carrying Bonam.

Popular film actor Vijay Deverakonda and his family are expected to offer prayers at the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple. Endowments Minister Konda Surekha and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar are scheduled to offer silk clothes to Goddess Mahankali at around 10 am.

Around 2,000 policemen will be deployed across the Old City to regulate traffic, manage crowds and maintain law and order during the celebrations. Police personnel will be positioned at key junctions, temples and along the procession route.

The festivities will culminate on Monday with the traditional Ghatam processions from various temples. The processions will pass through Lal Darwaza, Shahalibanda, Charminar and Pathergatti before culminating at the Nayapool temple near the Musi River.

With large crowds and several VIPs expected to participate, police and civic authorities have stepped up security and crowd-management measures to ensure the celebrations pass off peacefully.