Telangana's Bonalu festival 2025: Oracle Swarnalatha warns of epidemic, fire risks, urges correct offerings
Hyderabad: During the Bonalu festival on July 14, Oracle Swarnalatha delivered a warning to devotees regarding the proper observance of rituals. Speaking at 9 a.m., Swarnalatha explained the importance of performing the festival’s rituals accurately. She acknowledged the devotion of those participating but pointed out that mistakes continue to be made each year.
Swarnalatha specifically highlighted the neglect of certain offerings, particularly blood sacrifices, which she said were critical for the festival. She warned that failure to follow the rituals correctly could lead to increased deaths, illness, and accidents.
The oracle also predicted an upcoming epidemic and frequent fire accidents. She further mentioned that heavy rains were expected this year and urged that all rituals and offerings be performed with care for the next five weeks to ensure peace and prosperity. Swarnalatha expressed concern that her true form was being hindered due to improper observance of the rituals.
The Bonalu festival continued to be celebrated across the city, including at the historic Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad, where festivities were in full swing on Sunday, July 13. The Ashada Bonalu festival, a significant tradition in Telangana, honors the Goddess in her various forms, including Mysamma, Pochamma, Yellamma, and others.
The central offering of Bonalu, a meal of rice, milk, and jaggery, is prepared by women in new earthen or brass pots adorned with neem leaves, turmeric, and vermilion. Devotees carry these pots on their heads to temples, offering them to the Mother Goddess along with bangles and sarees.
On Sunday, Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy, along with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and his wife, participated in the festival, offering silk clothes to Goddess Ujjaini Mahankali. Minister Prabhakar also presented the first Bonam offering on behalf of the state government.
The Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad attracted thousands of devotees, who participated in the rituals with devotion. Special prayers were offered, seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga for good rains, abundant crops, and the well-being of the state. Minister Prabhakar extended his greetings, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival and the government’s efforts to ensure its smooth conduct.
The Ashada Bonalu festival, which began with Golkonda Bonalu on June 26 and continued with Sri Renuka Yellamma Kalyanam in Balkampet on July 1, is an important event for the people of Telangana. Minister Prabhakar wished for the health, prosperity, and development of all citizens under the blessings of Goddess Mahankali.
