- Sundays in the month of Ashada
- Hyderabad and Secunderabad
- State festival of Telangana
Where it began
Bonam means a meal in Telugu. Women cook rice with milk and jaggery in a new brass or clay pot, decorate it with neem leaves, turmeric and a lamp on top, and carry it to the goddess.
One story tells that in 1813 a plague broke out in Hyderabad. A battalion from the city, posted in Ujjain, prayed to the Mahakali temple there, and on return built a temple to the goddess in Secunderabad. The festival grew as thanks for her protection.
How it grew over time
Old times
Villages of the Telangana region honoured the mother goddess in the monsoon season with food offerings.
1813
The Ujjaini Mahakali temple tradition began in Secunderabad, as one story tells, after a plague.
19th and 20th centuries
Bonalu grew across Hyderabad's old temples, from Golconda to Lal Darwaza.
2014
Telangana declared Bonalu its state festival.
Today
Lakhs join processions through Hyderabad every Sunday of Ashada.
How it is celebrated in different places
Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Bonalu begins at the Jagadamba temple in the fort on the first Sunday.
Secunderabad
The Ujjaini Mahakali temple draws huge crowds on the second Sunday.
Old City, Hyderabad
Lal Darwaza temple holds the closing celebrations with the Ghatam procession.
US, UK and Australia
Telangana groups hold Bonalu with pots, dance and Potharaju performers.
Bonalu moments
Bonalu today
Women in bright saris carry bonam pots on their heads, walking to the beat of drums. Potharaju, the brother of the goddess, is played by bare-chested men painted with turmeric, who dance before the procession. Rangam, a prophecy about the year, is spoken at the temple.
Families cook special meals and host relatives. The city is lit up, and the government arranges stalls and stages for folk art.
