Archive · 28 Jul 2025
PV Sindhu Celebrates Bonalu Festival in Telangana
The Bonalu Festival is a celebration in Telangana honoring Goddess Mahakali.
It involves women offering a special meal called Bonam, along with gifts, to the goddess.
The festival started in the early 1800s when people prayed for relief from a plague.
A military group promised to install an idol if the plague stopped, and the festival continues in gratitude.
Celebrations include women carrying offerings and a man representing the goddess's brother, Pothuraju, dancing during the processions.
Bonalu became a state festival in 2014.
PV Sindhu offered Maru Bonam to Goddess Sri Mahakali at the Bonalu Festival in Hyderabad.
The Bonalu Festival is an annual event in Telangana and the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
Women offer Bonam, a meal of cooked rice, to the goddess, along with sarees and bangles.
The festival's origins trace back to the early 19th century during a plague epidemic.
Bonalu was declared a state festival in 2014 after the formation of Telangana.
- Who
- PV Sindhu and devotees celebrating Goddess Mahakali.
- What
- The Bonalu Festival, where people offer Bonam to Goddess Mahakali.
- When
- Celebrated annually during the month of Ashadh.
- Where
- In parts of Telangana and the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
- Why
- To honor Goddess Mahakali and commemorate the end of a plague.
- Festival Name
- Bonalu
- Deity
- Goddess Mahakali
- Location
- Telangana, Hyderabad, Secunderabad
- Main Offering
- Bonam (meal)
- Month of Celebration
- Ashadh
- State Festival
- Since 2014