When the history of Telangana culture unfolds its pages, Bonalu in Hyderabad would be the first word that would strike anyone's eyes. Came into existence during Nizam era, Bonalu is often synonymously used as Telangana culture.

The famous Lal Darwaja 'Mahankali Bonalu' (which are popular in Telangana region) in Hyderabad would be started on July 6. Arrangements are in full swing to conduct these bonalu with pomp and geity. Notably, Lal Darwaja Bonalu have been celebrated for more than 100 years.

The committee of Lal Darwaja has said that belongings of deity would be brought in a procession from Kashi Vishwanatha Aalayam and would be installed at several temples and offerred prayers initially. On July 15, bonam would be offered to the deity.

It is known that Mahankali Bonalu has special significance in the history of Telangana. People cook bonam (food) for deity, the same will be put in a pot, which will be specially painted with vermillion and turmeric. The pot will be covered with turmeric leavers. Devotees keep these bonalu (pots) on their heads and move in a large procession towards the temple and finally offer bonam to deity.

This tradition has been followed for the past 10 decades. The legend has it that when Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana region was struck by cholera, people prayed Mahankali Goddess that they would offer bonam of deity if the children be saved, and cholera was swept out of the region forever. As promised and as a token of devotion, people in Telangana region celebrate bonalu festival.

Scores of people in Hyderabad have been demanding the state government for declaring Bonalu as a state festival.

(AW Phani)