Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Bonalu Festival Concludes in Hyderabad Old City with Ghatam Processions
The Bonalu festival is a colorful festival celebrated in the city of Hyderabad in India.
This year it ends on Monday after two days of celebrations.
During the festival, people carry decorated pots called Ghatams in special parades.
The parades start near the Sri Simhahavini Mahankali Temple and walk through famous places like Charminar.
They end near the Musi River, where special rituals and an immersion ceremony take place.
Men called Potharajus, with red and yellow paste on their bodies, dance at the front of the parades.
Musicians play drums and folk artists from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh perform along the way.
Police officers help keep everyone safe and direct the traffic.
The festival is a joyful way for people to honor the goddess Mahankali together.
The two-day Bonalu festival will conclude on Monday with temple committees organizing separate 'Ghatam' processions from Lal Darwaza to the Musi River near Afzalgunj.
The Ashadamasam Bonalu festival will conclude in Hyderabad, with processions from various old city temples converging at Lal Darwaza near Sri Simhahavini Mahankali Temple.
The procession will pass through Haribowli, Lal Darwaza, Charminar and Madina before culminating at the Musi River near Afzalgunj, where immersion rituals will be performed.
Potharajus smeared with vermillion and turmeric paste will lead the processions dancing to drum beats, while folk artists from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh perform.
Police have made elaborate security arrangements and imposed traffic restrictions to ensure the smooth conduct of the procession.
- Who
- Temple committees, Potharajus, folk artists from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and Hyderabad police
- What
- Conclusion of the two-day Bonalu festival with Ghatam processions, rituals and immersion at the Musi River
- When
- Monday, concluding the two-day Ashadamasam Bonalu festival
- Where
- Old City of Hyderabad, from Lal Darwaza to the Musi River near Afzalgunj, passing Haribowli, Charminar and Madina
- Why
- To conclude the Ashadamasam Bonalu festival with traditional processions, rituals and immersion ceremonies
- Festival
- Bonalu (Ashadamasam Bonalu)
- Duration
- Two days
- Conclusion
- Monday
- Starting point
- Lal Darwaza, near Sri Simhahavini Mahankali Temple
- Ending point
- Musi River near Afzalgunj
- Procession route
- Haribowli, Lal Darwaza, Charminar, Madina
- Key participants
- Potharajus and folk artists from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
- Security measures
- Elaborate police arrangements and traffic restrictions