Lal Darwaza Bonalu Celebrations Turn into a Visual Spectacle

The Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Mahankali Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad’s Old City were held with great religious fervour. Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Konda Surekha, along with MP Anil Kumar Yadav and Pradesh Congress Committee president and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud, visited the temple and performed special prayers. Silk clothes were offered to the deity on behalf of the state government. Temple priests, Endowments Department officials and committee members welcomed the dignitaries with traditional honours. High Court judge S. Nanda and District Collector Dr Priyanka Ala also offered prayers, with the Collector presenting a gold Bonam to the goddess.

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said Hyderabad Bonalu has a special cultural identity and that the government has allocated ₹20 crore for grand celebrations. He said arrangements were made to ensure devotees face no inconvenience. Endowments Minister Konda Surekha said Bonalu festivities were being conducted with devotion across temples in the state, with elaborate arrangements for devotees. She said the government hopes for abundant rainfall and prosperity for farmers, while cultural programmes and traditional art performances are being organised to showcase Telangana’s heritage.