People throng temples to celebrate Bonalu in Old City of Hyderabad

Hyderabad’s old city came alive with vibrant Bonalu celebrations. Women in traditional dress offered ‘bonam’ to Goddess Mahankali. Streets were decorated with lights and cutouts, and temples saw heavy footfall. Police ensured tight security and smooth festival arrangements.

Hyderabad: A festive atmosphere prevailed in the Old City as the colourful Bonalu celebrations commenced on Sunday.

Dressed in traditional attire, devotees, especially women, thronged temples and offered ‘bonam’, containing cooked rice laced with jaggery to Goddess Sri Mahankali and other deities as thanksgiving for fulfilling their wishes.

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Big cutouts and flags were put up on roads leading to temples in Lal Darwaza, Hari Bowli, Sultan Shahi, Bela and Sabzi Mandi, among other areas in the Old City. These streets were decorated with colourful LED lights to beautify the environment.

Special arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival were made at Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple in Lal Darwaza, Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali temple and Bangaru Maisamma temple in Hair Bowli, Sri Muthyalamma temple at Bela, Sri Bhagyalaxmi temple at Charminar and Darbar Maisamma temple in Karwan. The police made elaborate security arrangements for the festival.