Bonalu Festival 2025: Telangana’s Grand Tribute to Goddess Mahakali

Every year, as the monsoon clouds gather over Telangana, the streets of Hyderabad and Secunderabad come alive with rhythm, color, and divine energy. This transformation marks the arrival of Bonalu, a folk Hindu festival that celebrates Goddess Mahakali and the power of the divine feminine. More than a religious observance, Bonalu is a cultural renaissance—honoring tradition, inviting community, and showcasing Telangana’s unmatched spirit.

The Bonalu Festival 2025 will be celebrated from June 26 to July 24, across major temples like Golconda Jagadambika, Ujjaini Mahakali, and Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Temple. The 117th Bonalu at Lal Darwaza is expected to be the grandest yet.

Origin: How Bonalu Began

The roots of Bonalu stretch back to 1813, when a plague devastated Hyderabad. Soldiers stationed in Ujjain prayed to Goddess Mahakali, vowing to build a temple in her name if the disease ended. After their prayers were answered, they brought her idol to Hyderabad and began offering cooked rice (bonam) as a symbol of gratitude.

Since then, the festival evolved into a powerful tribute to the Goddess, celebrated during Ashada Masam (June–July), when she is believed to visit her maternal home on Earth.

Bonalu Festival 2025 Dates and Schedule

According to the Telangana State Endowments Department, Bonalu 2025 includes nine main bonams, beginning on June 26 and ending on July 24. Celebrations happen every Thursday and Sunday across key Mahakali temples in the region.

 Key Dates of Bonalu 2025

Note: July 20–21 will witness massive public processions, traditional dances, and cultural performances, especially in the Old City of Hyderabad.

Traditions, Rituals & Symbolism

Bonalu brings out Telangana’s rich folk culture in full force. It’s not only about devotion, but also about identity, resilience, and celebration.

Bonam Offering

Women prepare rice cooked with jaggery and milk, placing it in decorated brass or clay pots, adorned with turmeric, neem leaves, vermillion, and a lamp. These are carried on their heads to Mahakali temples as offerings.

Pothuraju—The Festival Hero

A powerful male figure leads the procession. Wearing red dhoti and turmeric all over his body, Pothuraju represents the goddess’s brother. He dances ferociously, cracking a whip to ward off evil spirits.

Shigammas—Oracles of the Goddess

Some women enter trance states, believed to be possessed by the goddess. They dance, give blessings, and deliver divine messages. This is locally known as Rangam.

Ghatam Procession

The Ghatam, a decorated pot symbolizing the goddess, is carried in a musical procession on the final day of Bonalu and immersed in water. The most famous Ghatam journey is from Lal Darwaza to Nayapul on July 21.

Thottelu Decorations

Colorful paper towers called Thottelu are built and offered near temples. These add visual splendor to Bonalu streets and symbolize devotion.

Main Temples to Visit During Bonalu

Jagadambika Temple, Golconda Fort

The opening ceremony of Bonalu 2025 kicks off here with the Golden Bonam on June 26. It’s both historic and spiritual, with views of the old fort as a backdrop.

Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, Secunderabad

On July 13, lakhs of devotees gather for the most iconic Bonalu. Massive queues, energetic processions, and powerful rituals take place here.

Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Mahakali Temple

The 117th Bonalu Utsavam happens here. Starting July 11, the grandest celebrations unfold until July 21, featuring dappu drums, folk dances, and the sacred Ghatam.

Balkampet Yellamma Temple

On July 6, this temple hosts a mid-Bonalu celebration, welcoming thousands from central and eastern Hyderabad.

Bonalu—A Cultural Powerhouse

More than a religious ritual, Bonalu is an expression of Telangana’s soul:

• Folk Dances: Expect breathtaking performances like Perini, Oggu Katha, and Bonalu dance with dappu drums.
• Traditional Attire: Women wear pattu sarees, bangles, turmeric, and flowers, while men don red dhotis, smearing turmeric on their bodies.
• Food and Prasadam: Free distribution of rice, pulihora (tamarind rice), and curd rice, offered as prasadam.
• Community Unity: Every neighborhood participates, making it a people’s festival—cutting across caste and creed.

Why Bonalu Is Special in 2025

1. Extended Celebration: With 9 Bonams this year, it’s one of the longest Bonalu stretches in recent memory.
2. 117th Anniversary of Lal Darwaza Temple Bonalu: A major historical milestone, promising grander processions and larger crowds.
3. Tourism Push: Telangana Tourism is promoting Bonalu internationally, encouraging visitors to experience the state’s rich heritage.
4. Cultural Preservation: Schools and colleges will host Bonalu-themed workshops and folk storytelling sessions to keep younger generations connected.

Travel Tips for Bonalu Visitors

• ✅ Best Time to Visit: July 13 (Ujjaini Bonalu) and July 20–21 (Lal Darwaza)
• 📍 Locations: Golconda, Balkampet, Secunderabad, Shah Ali Banda, Charminar
• 👚 Dress Modestly: Prefer traditional or modest attire; carry a scarf if visiting temples
• 📸 Photography: Allowed during processions but ask before capturing trance rituals
• 💧 Hydration & Footwear: It gets hot and crowded—carry water and wear comfortable sandals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 What is the significance of Bonalu?

Bonalu is a thanksgiving festival to Goddess Mahakali, praying for health, prosperity, and protection from epidemics.

🔹 Who participates in Bonalu?

Though primarily a Hindu celebration, people of all communities join in processions and festivities, making it a festival of the people.

🔹 Why are women central to Bonalu?

Women represent Shakti or divine energy. From preparing bonams to becoming oracles, their role is deeply revered.

🔹 Is Bonalu celebrated outside Hyderabad?

Yes! It is also celebrated in Warangal, Karimnagar, Rangareddy, and by Telangana NRIs in the US and Gulf.

Conclusion

Bonalu 2025 is not just a festival—it’s a cultural revival, a spiritual homecoming, and a celebration of Telangana’s identity. With centuries-old traditions, divine rituals, and modern participation, Bonalu reminds us of the enduring bond between faith, festivity, and folk culture.

Whether you are a devotee, traveler, or cultural enthusiast, Bonalu 2025 is a celebration not to be missed—and Bhuchi’s World is here to guide you through every vibrant moment. Discover the stories, rituals, and experiences that make this festival truly unforgettable, only on Bhuchi’s World.

Jai Mahakali! May she bless us all with protection, power, and peace.