Bonalu, A Traditional Festival celebrated around the region of Telangana to worship Goddess Mahankali takes place annually in July. Considered a form of thanksgiving this festival is celebrated when an offering is made to the Mother Goddess for the fulfilment of the vows. Women folk in the household prepare rice that is cooked along with Milk, Jaggery in a New Earthen or Brass Pot, which is adorned with Neem Leaves, Turmeric, and Vermilion. It is believed that Kali has various forms like Mysamma, Pochamma, Yellamma, Dokkalamma, etc and this festival is to worship her in every form.
It is believed that this festival originated after a plague took over the city of Hyderabad and Secunderabad taking thousands of lives. It is when prayers were offered to Mother Goddess at Mahankaali Temple in Ujjain and when she killed the plague, Military Battalion came back here & installed an idol by offering Bonalu to Mother Mahankaali.
The Ritual starts on the first Sunday of Aashaadam and the women dress up in traditional Sari ornating themselves with pieces of jewellery and other accessories whereas teenage girls can be seen in half-saree.
It is believed that women carry Bonalu, possess the spirit of Mother Goddess, and when they go towards the temple, people pour water on their feet to pacify the violent spirit. The celebration in Secunderabad is one of the most prominent celebrations with a two-day event the first day of the festival Bonam gave to deities from various devotees and on the second day, the event is concluded by sending off a ghatam procession.
To celebrate this festival, we at STHRI have curated artworks inspired by the well-known artist Devdutt Pattanaik who has done exceptional work in the field of art and mythology. This series of Artworks allows us to express our offering to the Devi and be thankful for her blessings upon our community of strong women, capturing the essence of the festival and its beliefs through our art….
