Hyderabad, July 12, 2013: The annual Bonalu festivities began on a grand note at Golconda Fort on Thursday amidst tight security.

Women offered ‘bonam’ prepared with cooked rice, curd and jaggery in a brass or earthen pot. They adorned the vessel with neem leaves, turmeric and vermilion along with a lamp on the top.

Led by ‘potharajus’ dancing to the rhythmic drumbeats, they placed the vessel on their heads and offered ‘bonam’ to the goddess. The procession that started from Langer Houz at around 2 p.m. culminated at the fort in the evening.

The main Bonalu fete will begin at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad on July 28 and 29. The celebrations will conclude after the two-day festival at Sri Simhavahini Mahankali temple and Sri Akkanna and Madanna Mahankali temple at Lal Darwaza.

The police mad elaborate security arrangements.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 12, 2013.