Ashada Masam Bonalu In Hyderabad

Ashada Masam Bonalu in Hyderabad is a significant celebration during the month of Ashada, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This festival is dedicated to the goddess Mahakali and is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion by the people of Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad.

During Ashada Masam Bonalu, special Bonam offerings are made to the goddess Mahakali. Bonam is a mixture of cooked rice, jaggery, curries, and other traditional delicacies, usually prepared in a pot decorated with turmeric and vermilion. Women carry these Bonam pots on their heads and participate in colorful processions that take place in various localities of Hyderabad.

The Ashada Masam Bonalu festival usually spans several weeks, with different areas and temples hosting their respective Bonalu processions on different days. The festival culminates with the grand Bonalu Jatara at various prominent temples, including the historic Jagadamba temple within the Golkonda Fort complex.

During the Jatara, devotees gather in large numbers to offer their prayers, seek blessings, and witness cultural performances like the Potharaju dance. The air is filled with the sounds of drums, music, and devotional chants, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Ashada Masam Bonalu is an important cultural event that showcases the rich traditions, rituals, and folklore of Telangana. It is a time when people come together to express their devotion, celebrate their heritage, and seek the divine blessings of goddess Mahakali for the well-being and prosperity of Hyderabad and its residents.

Ashada Masam Bonalu History

The history of Ashada Masam Bonalu in Hyderabad is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural traditions of Telangana. While specific historical records are scarce, the festival’s origins can be traced back several centuries.

Ashada Masam Bonalu is believed to have originated during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled the region from the 12th to the 14th century. The festival gained prominence and popularity during the Kakatiya period and continued to be celebrated by subsequent dynasties, including the Qutb Shahi dynasty and the Nizams of Hyderabad.

The festival is deeply associated with the worship of the goddess Mahakali, who is considered the protector and benefactor of the people. It is believed that during the Ashada month, which falls in the monsoon season, the goddess Mahakali’s divine powers are at their peak, and she is more receptive to the prayers and offerings of her devotees.

Ashada Masam Bonalu is also associated with the agrarian roots of the region. It is believed that the festival was initially celebrated to appease the goddess and seek her blessings for a bountiful harvest and protection from natural calamities.

Over time, the festival evolved and became an integral part of the cultural fabric of Telangana. It showcases a blend of religious devotion, traditional rituals, and folk performances. The Bonalu Jatara, which is the main event of the festival, attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from various parts of the country.

Today, Ashada Masam Bonalu continues to be celebrated with great zeal and fervor in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana. It is not only a religious festival but also a symbol of cultural pride and identity for the local community. The festival brings people together, strengthens social bonds, and fosters a sense of unity and devotion among the devotees of goddess Mahakali.

How To Celebrate Ashada Masam Bonalu In Hyderabad

elebrating Ashada Masam Bonalu in Hyderabad involves a series of rituals, traditions, and community participation. Here’s a general outline of how the festival is typically celebrated:

Preparation: Prior to the festival, devotees clean their homes and make necessary arrangements for the Bonalu offerings. They gather the required ingredients, including rice, jaggery, curries, and other delicacies, to prepare the Bonam.
Bonam Offering: On the designated day of the Bonalu procession, devotees dress up in traditional attire and carry the Bonam pots on their heads. The Bonam is decorated with turmeric, vermilion, and flowers. Women, accompanied by music and drum beats, form a procession and proceed towards the designated temple or shrine.
Procession: The Bonalu procession is a significant part of the celebration. Women carrying the Bonam pots move in a synchronized manner, dancing and swaying to the beats of traditional music. The procession is often accompanied by cultural performances, including the Potharaju dance.
Temple Visit: Upon reaching the temple or shrine, devotees offer their Bonam to the presiding deity, usually goddess Mahakali. They perform prayers, chant devotional hymns, and seek blessings for their families, community, and the well-being of Hyderabad.
Cultural Performances: The temple premises come alive with cultural performances during Ashada Masam Bonalu. Traditional folk dances, music, and drum beats create a festive atmosphere, further enhancing the celebration.
Community Feast: After the religious rituals, devotees partake in a community feast where they share the prasadam (blessed food) that is distributed by the temple authorities. It is considered auspicious to partake in the prasadam, as it is believed to carry the blessings of the goddess.
Continued Observance: Ashada Masam Bonalu is celebrated over a period of weeks, with different areas and temples hosting their respective Bonalu processions on different days. Devotees can choose to participate in multiple processions, visiting various temples during this period.
Spirit of Devotion and Unity: Throughout the celebration, devotees showcase their devotion, faith, and unity. The festival serves as a platform for social interaction, cultural exchange, and strengthening community bonds.

It’s important to note that specific customs and practices may vary across different localities and temples in Hyderabad. It’s advisable to consult with local elders, community members, or temple authorities for detailed information on how Ashada Masam Bonalu is celebrated in a specific area.

Facts About Ashada Masam Bonalu

Certainly! Here are some facts about Ashada Masam Bonalu:

Ashada Masam Bonalu is a major festival celebrated in the Telangana region, particularly in Hyderabad.
The festival is dedicated to the goddess Mahakali, who is believed to be the protector and benefactor of the people.
Ashada Masam Bonalu is observed during the Ashada month of the Hindu lunar calendar, which typically falls between July and August.
The festival involves the offering of Bonam, a special mixture of cooked rice, jaggery, curries, and other traditional delicacies, to the goddess Mahakali.
Women play a significant role in the festival and carry Bonam pots on their heads during colorful processions.
The festival is marked by vibrant cultural performances, including the Potharaju dance, where men dressed as warriors dance to the beats of drums.
Ashada Masam Bonalu is celebrated in various localities of Hyderabad, with different areas and temples hosting their respective Bonalu processions on different days.
The festival culminates with the grand Bonalu Jatara, where devotees gather at prominent temples to offer their prayers, seek blessings, and witness cultural performances.
Ashada Masam Bonalu is a time of immense devotion, faith, and community participation, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Telangana.
The festival holds deep religious significance and is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and protection to the people of Hyderabad and Telangana.
Ashada Masam Bonalu is not only a religious festival but also a platform for showcasing the region’s unique traditions, rituals, music, dance forms, and cultural practices.
The festival attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from various parts of the country, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere in Hyderabad.

These facts highlight the essence and key aspects of Ashada Masam Bonalu, reflecting its cultural, religious, and communal significance in Hyderabad and Telangana.

Which Temples Is Famous In Ashada Masam Bonalu In Hyderabad

There are several temples in Hyderabad that are famous for celebrating Ashada Masam Bonalu. Here are a few prominent ones:

Jagadamba temple, located within the Golkonda Fort complex, is one of the most renowned temples for Ashada Masam Bonalu. The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the festival, and the Bonalu Jatara held here is a major highlight of the celebrations.
Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad is another significant temple where Ashada Masam Bonalu is celebrated with great fervor. Devotees throng the temple premises to offer Bonam and seek the blessings of the goddess Mahakali.
Balkampet Yellamma Temple, situated in Balkampet, is known for its grand celebration of Ashada Masam Bonalu. The temple witnesses a huge influx of devotees during the festival, and the Bonalu procession from this temple is a popular event.
Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Temple in Lal Darwaza, near Charminar, is another notable temple where Ashada Masam Bonalu is celebrated with enthusiasm. The temple is known for its historical significance and attracts devotees from different parts of the city.
Maisamma Temple in Chandrayangutta is also famous for its Ashada Masam Bonalu celebration. Devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess Maisamma and participate in the festive atmosphere.

These are just a few examples of the prominent temples in Hyderabad where Ashada Masam Bonalu is celebrated. The festival is observed in many other temples across the city and its surrounding areas, each with its own unique rituals and traditions.

Why celebrated Ashada Masam Bonalu in hyderabad

Ashada Masam Bonalu is celebrated in Hyderabad to honor and seek the blessings of the goddess Mahakali, who is regarded as the protector and benefactor of the people. The festival holds significant religious and cultural importance in the region. Here are a few reasons why Ashada Masam Bonalu is celebrated in Hyderabad:

Devotion to Goddess Mahakali: The festival is an expression of deep devotion and reverence towards the goddess Mahakali. Devotees believe that by offering prayers and Bonam to the goddess, they can seek her blessings, protection, and prosperity.
Tradition and Cultural Heritage: Ashada Masam Bonalu is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Telangana. It showcases the rich traditions, rituals, music, dance forms, and folklore of the region. The festival provides an opportunity to preserve and promote the cultural identity of Hyderabad and Telangana.
Gratitude for Blessings: Ashada Masam Bonalu is a way for the people of Hyderabad to express their gratitude to the goddess Mahakali for her continuous blessings and protection. It is believed that the goddess bestows her grace and blessings upon devotees during the auspicious Ashada month.
Communal Harmony and Unity: The festival brings people together, fostering a sense of community and unity. It serves as a platform for social interaction and cultural exchange, allowing people from different backgrounds to come together and celebrate as one community.
Prayers for Well-being and Prosperity: During Ashada Masam Bonalu, devotees offer prayers not only for themselves but also for the well-being and prosperity of their families, communities, and the city of Hyderabad as a whole. It is believed that the blessings of the goddess Mahakali bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to the community.

Overall, Ashada Masam Bonalu is celebrated in Hyderabad as a way to honor the goddess Mahakali, preserve cultural heritage, foster unity, and seek divine blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the city and its people.

Ashada Masam Bonalu 2023

In Ashada Masam Golconda Bonalu 2023 Date – June 22
Hyderabad Ashada Masam Bonalu date is on Sunday, 16 July
In other parts of Hyderabad Ashada Masam Bonalu festival is celebrated on all Sunday during the Ashadam
Below is the complete details of Ashada Masam Bonalu dates and location details,

Dates On Hyderabad Bonalu Location & Events
Golkonda Bonalu 22 June, Thursday
Secunderabad Mahankali Bonalu, 9 July, Sunday
Rangam, 10 July, Monday
Old City & Lal Darwaza Bonalu, 16 July, Sunday
Vuregimpu, 17 July, Monday