Bonalu now a global fete, says Talasani Srinivas Yadav

HYDERABAD: Telangana Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, has said that 'Bonalu Utsavam' is being held on a grand scale, after the formation of Telangana State.

He presented silk robes to Goddess Bhagyalakshmi at Charminar, Goddess Lal Darwaza Simha Vahini in Old City, Miralam Mandi, Sabji Mandi, Akkanna-Madanna, and Darbar Maisamma temple in Karwan. He presented the silk clothes to the presiding deities of the temples, along with Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali, on behalf of the State Government.

They visited many temples and performed pujas. The organizers welcomed ministers with Gajamala brought for the procession at the Sabzi Mandi temple. Later, they participated in special poojas by offering silk clothes on behalf of the government at Mahankali Ammavari Temple in Amberpet and Chilakalaguda Katta Maisamma Ammavari temple in Secunderabad.

On this occasion, the members of the temple committee honoured them after performing separate pujas at the respective temples. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Srinivas Yadav said that the Bonalu festival got special recognition after Telangana attained statehood. He reminded that after the Telangana state was formed, the government declared it as a state festival and made all the arrangements, releasing Rs. 15 crores. He said that in the past, the members of the temple committees used to collect donations for the management of Bonalu festivals. To put an end to this practice, the government decided to provide financial assistance to private temples and was providing this financial assistance to around 3,600 temples.

The minister said that the Bonalu festival was organized in Vijayawada and Delhi also under the auspices of the Telangana government. It was explained that the Ammavari procession on Ambari on Monday would be conducted under the auspices of the temple committee and the government also bore the cost of Ambari after the formation of the Telangana state.

He said that apart from Bonalu, all the festivals like Ramzan, Christmas, Bathukamma, and Vinayaka Chaturthi were being organized under the auspices of the Telangana government.

Talasani explained that the government had taken all precautions so that the devotees did not face any difficulty during the Bonalu festival. He said that the officers and staff of the police department played a vital role in the management of Bonalu festivals. Officials and staff of GHMC, Health, Endowment, R & B, Electrical and other departments have said that they worked hard.

He said that the Bonalu festivals which showcased the Telangana culture were celebrated in many countries — a thing of pride for the state.

Temples joint committee Chairman Rakesh Tiwari, members Madhusudan Yadav, Gajula Anjaiah, and others participated in this program.

City Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi presented bonam to the goodness Sinha Vahini at Lal Darwaza.