Bonalu Telangana

Bonalu is a Hindu Festival where Goddess Mahakali is worshiped. It is an annual festival celebrated in the twin Cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad and other parts of Telangana state, India.. Celebrated in the month of Ashadam, the month-long festivities take place to thank Goddess Mahakali as women across the state dress in traditional attire and offer Bonam to the goddess.

Women carrying bonalu are considered to possess the spirit of the goddess, hence as they approach the temple, devotees sprinkle water to pacify the spirit. Pothuraju, considered the brother of Mother Goddess, is represented by a bare-bodied and well-built man, who wears a small tightly draped red dhoti and bells near ankles, and applies turmeric on his body, including vermilion on his forehead. Pothuraju dances to the resounding drums and dances close to Palaharam Bandi, the procession.