Bonalu is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in the Telangana region of India. It is an annual festival that is celebrated in the month of Ashada (July-August) to pay homage to the goddess Mahakali. The festival is celebrated with great fervour and is an important part of the cultural heritage of Telangana. If you are planning to visit Telangana in 2023, here is a complete guide to the Bonalu 2023 schedule, locations, and activities.
Overview of Bonalu Festival
Bonalu is a Telugu word that means ‘food’ or ‘meal’ offered to the goddess Mahakali. It is believed that the festival is a way to thank the goddess for her blessings and protection. The festival is celebrated in various parts of Telangana, including Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Warangal, and Nalgonda.
History of Bonalu Festival
The history of the Bonalu festival dates back to the 18th century when a plague epidemic broke out in the city of Hyderabad. The people of Hyderabad prayed to the goddess Mahakali to save them from the epidemic. The epidemic ended soon after and the people of Hyderabad started celebrating the Bonalu festival every year as a way to thank the goddess.
Bonalu 2023 Schedule
The Bonalu festival is celebrated on different dates in different parts of Telangana. Here is the Bonalu 2023 schedule:
Hyderabad
- Kamakshi Temple, Golconda: 24th July 2023
- Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, Secunderabad: 31st July 2023
- Balkampet Yellamma Temple, Hyderabad: 7th August 2023
Warangal
- Sri Padmakshi Temple, Hanamkonda: 31st July 2023
- Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Shivalayam, Warangal: 7th August 2023
Nalgonda
- Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Yadagirigutta: 31st July 2023
Locations of Bonalu Festival
The Bonalu festival is celebrated in various parts of Telangana. Some of the popular locations where the festival is celebrated are:
Hyderabad
- Kamakshi Temple, Golconda
- Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, Secunderabad
- Balkampet Yellamma Temple, Hyderabad
- Chilkur Balaji Temple, Hyderabad
Warangal
- Sri Padmakshi Temple, Hanamkonda
- Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Shivalayam, Warangal
Nalgonda
Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Yadagirigutta
Activities during Bonalu Festival
The Bonalu festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. The festival is a grand affair with a lot of activities and rituals taking place. Some of the popular activities during the Bonalu festival are:
Rangam
Rangam is a popular activity during the Bonalu festival. It is a colourful procession where the goddess is taken out on the streets in a palanquin. The procession is accompanied by music, dance, and people in traditional attire.
Ghatam
Ghatam is a ritual where the priest offers prayers to the goddess Mahakali. The priest performs the ritual by lighting a lamp and offering coconut, jaggery, and other sweets.
Potharaju
Potharaju is a traditional dance performed during the Bonalu festival. It is a dance that is performed by men dressed in traditional attire who carry a decorated stick and dance to the beat of drums. It is believed that the dance symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Bonam Offering
The Bonam offering is a special ritual where women carry a pot filled with cooked rice, curd, jaggery, and turmeric to the temple. They offer the Bonam to the goddess as a way of seeking her blessings and protection.
Muggu
Muggu is a traditional art form where patterns are drawn on the floor using rice flour. During the Bonalu festival, Muggu is drawn in front of the houses and temples as a way of welcoming the goddess.
Importance of Bonalu Festival
The Bonalu festival is an important part of the cultural heritage of Telangana. It is a way to pay homage to the goddess Mahakali and seek her blessings and protection. The festival also brings people together and promotes unity and brotherhood.
Conclusion
The Bonalu festival is an important cultural event in Telangana, India. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and involves a lot of activities and rituals. The Bonalu 2023 schedule, locations, and activities provide an excellent opportunity to witness the grandeur and cultural richness of Telangana. If you wanna learn about Buddha Purnima 2023 visit 99pandit’s Portal. Plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the festival to the fullest.
FAQs
What is the history of Bonalu festival?
The Bonalu festival has its roots in the 18th century when a plague epidemic broke out in Hyderabad.
What is the significance of Bonalu festival?
The Bonalu festival is a way to pay homage to the goddess Mahakali and seek her blessings and protection.
What are the popular locations for Bonalu festival?
Some of the popular locations for the Bonalu festival are Hyderabad, Warangal, and Nalgonda.
What are the popular activities during Bonalu festival?
Some of the popular activities during the Bonalu festival are Rangam, Ghatam, Potharaju, Bonam Offering, and Muggu.
When is the Bonalu festival celebrated in 2023?
The Bonalu festival is celebrated on different dates in different parts of Telangana. Please refer to the Bonalu 2023 schedule for the exact dates.