Hyderabad Bonalu 2026: Thousands throng Old City for Goddess Mahakali

Old City turns festive as Bonalu begins

Hyderabad's Old City transformed into a sea of colour and devotion on Sunday as thousands of devotees turned out for the annual Bonalu festival. The air, thick with the sound of drums and chants, carried the fervour of a community united in worship of Goddess Mahakali.

The festival, a centuries-old tradition in Telangana, sees women carry decorated pots—known as bonalu—on their heads, offering them at temples dedicated to the goddess. This year's celebrations drew an overwhelming response, with crowds spilling onto the streets from early morning.

Rituals and processions mark the day

Devotees, many in traditional attire, queued up outside prominent temples in the Old City, including the historic Sri Ujjaini Mahakali temple in Secunderabad and the Jagadambika temple in Golconda. Priests performed special pujas, and offerings of food, flowers, and vermilion were made to the deity.

A key highlight was the procession of ghatams—ornate brass pots topped with neem leaves and a lamp—carried by women, believed to be possessed by the spirit of the goddess. The rhythmic beat of dappu drums and the chant of 'Mahakali ki Jai' echoed through narrow lanes, drawing onlookers and participants alike.

Community spirit on full display

The festival also brought together people from all walks of life. Local residents set up free food stalls, offering water and buttermilk to the thirsty crowd, while volunteers helped manage the flow of pilgrims. "Bonalu is not just a ritual; it is our identity," said a long-time resident of the Old City, reflecting the mood of the day.

Authorities had made elaborate arrangements for crowd management and security, with police deployed in strength across key locations. Traffic diversions were in place, and medical teams were stationed at strategic points to handle any emergencies.

A tradition that binds generations

Bonalu, celebrated during the Telugu month of Ashada, has its roots in the legend of Goddess Mahakali vanquishing the demon Mahishasura. The festival has grown over the years, attracting not only locals but also tourists and devotees from neighbouring states.

For many families, it is an occasion to pass on traditions to the younger generation. Children, dressed in new clothes, watched wide-eyed as their mothers and grandmothers performed the rituals, ensuring the continuity of a practice that has survived centuries.

As the day wore on, the festivities showed no sign of waning. The final offering, known as the Bonalu offering, is expected to continue into the night, with special prayers held at the temples.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of attendees, but estimates suggest the turnout was in the lakhs across the city. The festival is set to continue over the coming days, with different neighbourhoods hosting their own celebrations.

All eyes now turn to the grand finale, the Rangam ceremony, where a priest predicts the year ahead, a ritual that always draws a massive crowd. For now, the Old City remains steeped in devotion, its streets alive with the spirit of Bonalu.