Bonalu Reflect Hyderabad’s Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb: Minister Konda Surekha

Hyderabad: Telangana Forest, Environment and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha on Friday said the Ashada Bonalu festival in Hyderabad stands as a symbol of the city’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, reflecting communal harmony and secular spirit.

Addressing a coordination meeting at the Jagadambika Mahankali temple in Golconda Fort, the minister said the mutual cooperation between Hindu and Muslim communities during festivals sends a strong message of unity across the country.

She reviewed the arrangements for the Bonalu festivities scheduled to begin on July 16 and instructed officials from various departments to work in close coordination to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations without any untoward incidents.

The minister noted that it is a long-standing tradition to offer the first ‘Bonam’ to Goddess Jagadambika Mahankali at Golconda. With lakhs of devotees expected to attend the festivities till August 13, she directed officials to make comprehensive arrangements for traffic management, parking, queue lines, barricading, drinking water, electricity, sanitation, medical services, fire safety and special bus services.

Surekha also instructed authorities to ensure cleanliness in and around the temple premises, set up mobile toilets, drinking water facilities, medical camps and keep 108 ambulance services on standby. She emphasised the need to complete all infrastructure works, including roads, steps, lighting, high-mast lights, signage boards and shelters well in advance.

She directed the police department to set up a control room during the festival period and ensure coordination among all departments for the safety and convenience of devotees. Officials were also asked to create awareness among devotees by displaying posters of suspects and remain vigilant.

Special care should be taken for children, the elderly, pregnant women and lactating mothers, she said, adding that there should be no compromise on public safety and hygiene standards.

The minister further said all departments must extend full support during the offering of Bonams by devotees and ensure a hassle-free experience so that devotees can return home with satisfaction after darshan.

Describing Bonalu as a grand festival reflecting Telangana’s culture and traditions, Surekha said the state government is committed to providing the best possible facilities to devotees.

Earlier, the minister, along with public representatives and officials, unveiled the Ashada Bonalu festival poster and brochure. She was accorded a traditional welcome by temple priests and later participated in special puja rituals, praying for good rains, prosperity and well-being of the people of Telangana.