Vibrant Bonalu celebrations bring Mandamarri mandal in Mancherial to a standstill

Traffic came to a temporary halt along NH-363 near the temple due to the heavy influx of vehicles. However, the police acted promptly to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

Mancherial: The annual Gandhari Maisamma Bonalu festival was celebrated with gaiety and colour at the Gandhari Maisamma temple in Bokkalagutta village of Mandamarri mandal on Sunday.

Devotees from across the district thronged the temple from early morning, forming serpentine queues to offer prayers. Worshippers from Mancherial, Ramakrishnapur, Mandamarri and surrounding villages arrived using various modes of transport to participate in the festivities.

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As part of traditional rituals, devotees offered chickens and goats to the goddess as thanksgiving for their well-being and fulfilment of wishes. Women carried Bonam—sacred food prepared with rice and jaggery—on their heads and offered it to the goddess Maisamma.

Many devotees set up makeshift tents and dined under the trees in the vicinity of the shrine, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Traffic came to a temporary halt along NH-363 near the temple due to the heavy influx of vehicles. However, the police acted promptly to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

Approximately 100 police personnel were deployed to regulate traffic, manage the crowds and maintain law and order. Deputy Commissioner of Police A. Bhaskar and Bellampalli ACP Ravi Kumar supervised the security arrangements at the site.