Telangana Govt allocates Rs. 20 crores for Aashada Bonalu festival
Hyderabad: The Government of Telangana has sanctioned ₹20 crore for the grand celebration of Aashada Bonalu, scheduled from June 26 to July 24. Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar (Transport and BC Welfare) and Konda Surekha (Endowments) have directed officials to organize the festivities, ensuring they capture Hyderabad's cultural traditions.
A high-level review meeting was held Tuesday at the Tungabhadra Block of MCRHRD, where Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Konda Surekha assessed preparations. Instructions were given for special arrangements for devotees, including dedicated queue lines for Joginis and Shiva Sathulu.
Officials were instructed to ensure comprehensive facilities to prevent inconvenience to devotees. A centralized control room will monitor activities, and inter-departmental coordination is mandated.
The Aashada Bonalu 2025 schedule begins June 26 with inaugural celebrations at Sri Jagadamba Mahankali Temple, Golconda. June 29 marks the ‘Edukondalu’ event at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, Secunderabad. On July 1, ‘Kalyanam’ and the presentation of silk robes will occur at Balkampet Sri Yellamma Pochamma Temple. The ‘Rangam’ (prophecy event) is set for July 13.
July 20 will feature Bonalu celebrations at multiple temples, including Simha Vahini Mahankali Temple, Meeralam Mandi Sri Mahakaleshwara Temple, Shalibanda Sri Akkanna Madanna Temple, Charminar Bhagyalakshmi Temple, Darbar Maisamma Temple, Karwan, Sabzi Mandi Sri Nalla Pochamma Temple, and Balkampet Sri Yellamma Pochamma Temple.
The government will present silk robes at 28 major temples. Ministers will offer them at select temples, with Executive Officers and Endowments Department officials presenting them at the remaining 19.
Elephant processions (Ambari Uregimpu) are scheduled for July 14 at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, July 20 at Sri Nalla Pochamma Temple, Sabzi Mandi, and July 21 at Akkanna Madanna Temple.
Infrastructure improvements are planned, including road repairs around temples and enhanced sanitation. GHMC has been instructed to install street lights in temple areas. HMWSSB will provide safe drinking water, water packets, and water tankers with 24-hour staff. ORS packets will be distributed at bus stands, railway stations, and temples with ICDS support.
The Fire Department will inspect temples in advance and ensure fire engines and staff are ready. The Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department will set up waterproof generators, large tents, and mats at temple sites. TGSRTC will allocate additional buses to manage increased footfall.
Cultural events will include performances by 700 artists across 40 temples, with art displays during processions. Bonalu festivities will also be held in Delhi, Vijayawada, and Bhramaramba SriSailam temples.
Medical camps will be set up under the Health Department, including six at Golconda with a CPR training center. Ambulances and medical facilities will be stationed at 30 key temples. The Tourism Department will install 12 LED screens to showcase Telangana's culture and Bonalu traditions.
Police will ensure round-the-clock surveillance at all temple sites with adequate deployment and continuous monitoring through a control room. Rapid response teams will address issues. All cheques to temples must be cleared before the festival through coordination between the Revenue and Endowments Departments. Ministers urged officials to serve with dedication. Police are instructed to coordinate with all departments to prevent law and order issues.
The review meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Anil Kumar Yadav, DGP Jitender, Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, Deputy Mayor Srilatha Shobhan Reddy, Commissioner of Police CV Anand, Special Secretary Vikas Raj, Endowments Principal Secretary Shailaja Ramaiyer, Principal Secretary for Police Ravi Gupta, Additional DGP M.M. Bhagawat, GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan, HMDA Commissioner Ashok Reddy, Hyderabad Collector Anudeep Durishetty, Ranga Reddy Collector Narayana Reddy, TSS Director Mamidi Harikrishna, Additional Director (Information Dept) D.S. Jagan, and other senior officials.
