PaperDabba News Desk: 15th July 2024
The Bonalu festival at Hyderabad’s Pragathi Bhavan was celebrated with grandeur on Sunday. The event saw the presence of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, ministers Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Jupally Krishna Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Konda Surekha, Ponnam Prabhakar, and MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy as special guests. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and his wife welcomed the guests warmly. Special pujas were performed for the Bonalu and Mahankali Ammavaru’s idol at the Deputy CM’s residence, followed by Konda Surekha, Bhatti’s wife Nandini, and MLA N. Padmavathi carrying the Bonam.
Grand Celebrations at Pragathi Bhavan
The Bonalu festival was celebrated with great pomp at Pragathi Bhavan, the official residence of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka. Several prominent political figures, including Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, graced the event. Ministers Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Jupally Krishna Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Konda Surekha, Ponnam Prabhakar, and MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy were also in attendance.
Warm Welcome by Bhatti Vikramarka and Family
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and his wife Nandini warmly welcomed all the guests. The celebrations began with special pujas performed for the Bonalu and Mahankali Ammavaru’s idol at the Deputy CM’s residence.
Women Leaders Participate in Bonalu Rituals
Women leaders, including Konda Surekha, Bhatti’s wife Nandini, and MLA N. Padmavathi, actively participated in the rituals, carrying the Bonam. The CM and Deputy CM carried the Mahankali Ammavaru idol from the house to the temple within the Pragathi Bhavan premises.
Procession to Pochamma Temple
The Bonalu procession was vibrant with drums, traditional dances, and folk performances. The procession moved from the Deputy CM’s residence to the Pochamma temple within the Pragathi Bhavan compound. The atmosphere was filled with festive fervor as participants passionately carried the Bonam.
Special Offerings and Prayers
Upon reaching the temple, Bhatti Vikramarka and his wife offered the deity the Bonam’s naivedyam (sacred food offering). The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other dignitaries performed special pujas in the temple, praying for the prosperity and safety of the state. They sought blessings for abundant rains and bountiful harvests.
The temple priests bestowed vedic blessings upon the Chief Minister and other state ministers, marking the conclusion of the grand celebrations at Pragathi Bhavan.
