Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Old City Bonalu wraps up with grand procession, ghatam immersion
Every year, people in the city of Hyderabad, India, celebrate a big festival called Bonalu to honor Goddess Mahankali.
The festival lasts for a whole month during a special time called Ashada Masam.
On the last day, the city held a huge parade with colorful decorated pots called ghatams.
An elephant named Lakshmi, who came from another state called Karnataka, walked in the parade carrying one of the special pots.
People lined the streets to watch dancers, musicians, and folk artists perform.
At the end, all 25 pots were taken to the Musi River and dipped into the water.
During the festival, a woman called an oracle made predictions.
She warned that people should keep their old traditions and be kind to each other.
The festival is a happy time when people pray, share blessings, and enjoy colorful celebrations together.
The month-long Bonalu festival in Hyderabad's Old City concluded with a grand procession and immersion of ghatams in the Musi River at Nayapul.
A total of 25 ghatams from major temples, including the Sri Akkanna Madanna Temple, took part in the 78th annual procession.
Elephant Lakshmi, brought from Karnataka, carried the Goddess Mahankali ghatam, and Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar flagged off the procession.
Oracle Anuradha, during the traditional Rangam program, warned that abandoning traditional rituals could lead to serious consequences for society.
Celebrations included Pothuraju Swagatham, folk dance performances, and flower showers from devotees along the route from Hari Bowli to Delhi Darwaza.
- Who
- Devotees of Goddess Mahankali, Oracle Anuradha, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, and the Ummidi Devalayala Uregimpu Committee
- What
- The month-long Bonalu festival concluded with a colorful procession of 25 ghatams and their immersion in the Musi River at Nayapul
- When
- Monday, marking the end of celebrations that began at Golconda Fort on July 16; the procession was the 78th annual edition
- Where
- Old City of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, with the procession running from Hari Bowli through Charminar to Nayapul
- Why
- To mark the conclusion of Ashada Masam worship of Goddess Mahankali and the traditional Bonalu state festival
- Festival
- Bonalu
- Deity
- Goddess Mahankali
- State
- Telangana, India
- Celebration period
- Ashada Masam (month-long)
- Procession edition
- 78th annual
- Ghatams in procession
- 25
- Started
- July 16 at Golconda Fort
- Organizer
- Ummidi Devalayala Uregimpu Committee