Bonalu 2026: HMDA Grounds to Host State-Level Handicrafts Exhibition

Hyderabad: Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said that, as part of the Ashada Bonalu Mahotsavams, the Telangana government will organise a State-level Handicrafts Exhibition-cum-Sale at the HMDA Grounds (beside the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue) in Hyderabad from July 16. The event is being organised by the Rural Development Department under the aegis of SERP.

The Bonalu festivities will begin on July 16, and the state government is making elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival on a grand scale. The celebrations will commence at the Sri Jagadamba Mahankali Temple at the historic Golconda Fort.

Compared to last year, the government plans to set up a larger number of stalls to provide more artisans with an opportunity to showcase their products and earn a livelihood.

Ponnam Prabhakar said that all kinds of traditional items required for the Bonalu festival will be available at a single venue. Artisans from across the state, including potters, blacksmiths, carpenters, Vishwabrahmins, Padmashali weavers, goldsmiths, stone sculptors, basket makers, leather artisans, and other traditional craftsmen, will showcase and sell their products directly to the public.

Visitors will be able to purchase a wide range of Bonalu-related items, including clay Bonam pots, earthen lamps, bamboo baskets, brass and copper vessels, kalashams, bells, pooja materials, flower garlands, toranams, Bonam decoration items, bangles, bead ornaments, whips and anklets used by Pothuraju, traditional musical instruments such as dappu and dhol, wooden pooja platforms, and several other traditional products.