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| BONALU |
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| Celebrated in : Telangana,
Aandhra Pradesh |
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| Meaning : Bhojanalu |
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| In the month of : Aashadha (June-July) |
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| Celebrated by : Hindu |
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| Bonalu is another
folk festival, which is very famous in the Telangana region. The word "Bonalu"
is derived from "Bhojanalu" meaning food, which is offered to the Goddess. This
century old tradition is celebrated with utmost gaiety and devotional fervour. It is
celebrated during the month of 'Ashadh'. This one-month long festival is marked by
devotional singing and ritualistic worship to the village deities "Yellamma",
"Mahankali", "Maisamma", "Pochamma", and
"Gundamma". |
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| A typical feature
of the Bonalu festival are the `Ghatams' or decorated pots filled with flowers, which are
carried on the heads by the women folk in a procession. Cooked rice is also taken in
highly polished brass vessels or in clay pots decorated with neem leaves, which are
carried by women on their heads to the local goddess while the men accompany by playing
drums. |
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| Women colourfully
dressed dance balancing pots to the rhythmic beats and tunes in praise of the village
deity Mahankali. Male dancers called the "Potharajus' follow the female dancers, who
is believed to be the protector of the village. |
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| It is celebrated
with aplomb in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. During this festival, Sree
Jagadambika temple atop the Golconda Fort draws large number of devotees from neighbouring
districts. Muslim emperors also celebrated this festival by offering prayers in this
temple such was the popularity of this festival. The State government also performs puja
officially, on behalf of the people. Thus, Bonalu is a festival of offering and families
share the offering among their members. |
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