Ashada Bonalu festival stands as a testament to Hyderabad’s diverse cultural heritage and steadfast devotion to Goddess Mahakali. Its historical roots, tracing back to a public health crisis, underscore the enduring strength of faith, while its lively rituals and processions vividly express the folk traditions of Telangana. As an official state festival, Bonalu not only inspires spiritual appreciation but also fosters community solidarity, interweaving devotion with cultural pride. For both visitors and locals, experiencing Bonalu is akin to embarking on an adventure into the very essence of Telangana, where faith and festivity harmoniously unite.
Festive Vibes from July to August
Every year, during the Ashada month (July-August), the bustling capital of Telangana, Hyderabad, bursts into life with the exuberant and cherished Bonalu festival. This traditional Hindu folk celebration, devoted to Goddess Mahakali, is an essential aspect of Telangana’s cultural and spiritual landscape. Enthusiastically observed in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, along with various regions of Telangana, Bonalu spans an entire month, showcasing devotion, community harmony, and cultural legacy that attract thousands of devotees and tourists.
First Rituals at Historical Golconda Fort
In 2025, festivities kicked off on June 26 at the iconic Jagadambika Temple in Golconda Fort, heralding a vibrant journey that culminated on July 24, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds in a shared expression of gratitude and reverence.
Historical Roots and Origins
Bonalu festival originated in the early 19th century, particularly in 1813, against the backdrop of a devastating plague that ravaged Hyderabad and Secunderabad, claiming countless lives. Emerging as a mass thanksgiving for the averting of this outbreak during the Nizam's rule, the festival boasts a history intertwined with the ruling family. The last head of the Nizam dynasty, Raunaq Yar Khan (Nizam IX of the Asaf Jahs), was known to personally attend and bless festivities in areas like Golkonda, Lal Darwaja, and Ujjain, including events at the Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).
Historical narratives reveal that a military battalion from Hyderabad, stationed in Ujjain, prayed to Goddess Mahakali at the revered Mahakaleshwara Temple, promising to erect her idol in Secunderabad if their prayers were answered. With the plague subsiding, they fulfilled their vow by establishing the Ujjaini Mahakali Temple and initiating the Bonalu festival as a token of gratitude. This origin story highlights the festival’s deep-rooted ethos of devotion and communal appreciation, a cherished tradition that has persisted for more than two centuries. Another popular legend depicts Mahakali as a divine daughter returning to her maternal home during the Ashada month, symbolizing the beloved cultural custom of recognizing a married daughter’s annual visit. This mythological narrative infuses familial warmth into the festival, as devotees express their reverence through offerings and rituals, solidifying the connection between the divine and their community.
Offering ‘Feast’ to the Goddess
The term "Bonalu," derived from the Telugu word “Bhojanalu,” translates to “feast” or “meal” and revolves around the offering of Bonam—a specially crafted dish made of rice, milk, and jaggery, presented in beautifully adorned brass or earthen pots embellished with neem leaves, turmeric, vermilion, and lit lamps. Women donning colourful traditional saris or pattu lehengas carry these offerings on their heads in vibrant processions towards temples, embodying elegance and devotion. Some participants, believed to be possessed by the goddess's spirit, express their fervent devotion through spirited dances to the rhythmic sounds of drums, adding an enchanting element to the festivities.
Special Attractions - Pothu Raju & Ghatam…
Bonalu unfolds over several Sundays, starting at the Jagadambika Temple in Golconda Fort and extending to major temples such as Ujjaini Mahakali in Secunderabad, Balkampet Yellamma, and Simhavahini Mahakali at Lal Darwaza. Each Sunday features lively processions marked by the Ghatam—a richly adorned copper pot representing the goddess—carried by priests or paraded on elephants, accompanied by folk music, dance, and the pulsating Pothuraju dance, where men dressed in turmeric and bells perform as the goddess’s brother. The festival crescendos with the Rangam ritual, where a woman in a trance predicts the future, and concludes with the immersion of the Ghatam, creating a carnival-like atmosphere throughout Hyderabad’s streets. Bonalu transcends mere religious observance; it is a vibrant reflection of Telangana’s cultural fabric.
Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb
Declared a state festival in 2014 by the Telangana government, it embodies the region’s unique “Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb”—a harmonious fusion of Hindu and Muslim influences, demonstrated by the participation of various communities and the festival's inclusive nature. The celebrations prominently feature traditional music, folk dances, and culinary delights, as families come together to share Bonam offerings and host communal feasts that often include non-vegetarian dishes and toddy, reinforcing community connections.
The festival’s significance lies in its ability to unite diverse individuals across social spectra. For many Telugu-speaking families, including those returning from abroad, Bonalu serves as a heart-warming homecoming, an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and honour enduring traditions.
