Bonalu Festival 2025: Date, Rituals, History and Significance of Telangana’s Devotional Celebration

Bonalu Festival 2025: Date, Rituals, History and Significance of Telangana’s Devotional Celebration (image: PTI)

The vibrant and spiritually rich festival of Bonalu is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, Bonalu is observed in the Hindu month of Ashada Masam, which usually falls in June–July. The word ‘Bonalu’ stems from the Sanskrit term ‘Bhojanam’, meaning a meal or feast, highlighting the essence of offering food to the Goddess as a mark of gratitude.

Bonalu 2025 Date and Schedule

• Bonalu 2025 begins on June 29 and concludes on July 20.
• The celebration spans three Sundays, with each Sunday focusing on specific temples:
• First Sunday: Devotees visit Jagadamba Temple at Golconda Fort, Hyderabad.
• Second Sunday: Rituals are held at Yellamma Temple in Balkampet, Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, and Gandimaisamma Temple in Secunderabad.
• Third Sunday: Celebrations happen at Matheswari Temple, Lal Darwaza (Old City), Pochamma Temple, and Katta Maisamma Temple, Chilkalguda.

The origin of Bonalu dates back to the 19th century, during a deadly plague in Hyderabad. According to legend, a military battalion stationed in Ujjain prayed to Goddess Mahakali, promising to bring her idol to Hyderabad if the epidemic ended. When the plague subsided, the soldiers kept their promise and established her worship in Hyderabad. Thus, Bonalu is a thanksgiving festival dedicated to the Goddess for her protection and blessings.

Rituals and Offerings During Bonalu

The rituals of Bonalu are steeped in devotion and tradition:

• Women cook a sweet rice offering using milk and jaggery, which is placed in brass or clay pots. These pots are decorated with neem leaves, turmeric, vermilion, and topped with a lit lamp.
• Women carry the pots on their heads in a ceremonial procession to the temple, accompanied by chants and rhythmic dances.
• Offerings include sarees, bangles, turmeric, and food to the Goddess.
• Many women enter trance-like states as part of the spiritual fervour, believed to be a sign of divine connection.