Govt Allocates Rs.20 Cr for Bonalu Celebrations in Hyderabad

He said that after the formation of Telangana state, the state government is giving utmost priority to the Bonalu festival, which stands as a symbol of Telangana’s culture, traditions, beliefs, and spiritual heritage.

He chaired a high-level review meeting with officials from various departments at the Dasarathi Auditorium in Dr. MCR HRD Institute in Jubilee Hills, regarding the arrangements for the Bonalu festivals to be conducted under the aegis of the Endowments Department in Hyderabad district, Ranga Reddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts from July 16 to August 13.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Bonalu is not just a religious festival, but a cultural symbol that reflects the soul of Telangana. Noting that lakhs of devotees will flock to Hyderabad from all corners of the state during the Ashadha month and visit various temples for darshan of Ammavaru, he directed Endowments Department officials to ensure darshan for the last devotee as well.

Pointing out that the Hyderabad administration has experience in successfully conducting major religious and cultural programs like Bonalu, Ganesh festival, Ramzan, and Moharram, he suggested conducting the Bonalu festivals with the same coordination, planning, and dedication.

Since Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Ministers, elected representatives, senior officials, and lakhs of devotees are likely to participate in various programs, he directed all departments to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

The Minister mentioned that the government is continuously increasing financial assistance to temples. In 2021, financial aid of Rs.5.80 crore was provided to 1,028 temples; in 2022 and 2023 to 1,073 temples each; in 2024 to 1,253 temples; and in 2025, record-level assistance to 3,026 temples. He instructed the administrations of Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts, along with Endowments Department officials, to ensure the identification process for eligible temples is transparent, and aid is provided considering devotee crowds, temple needs, and local conditions.

Emphasizing that utmost priority should be given to devotee facilities, the Minister directed that there should be comprehensive arrangements including continuous power supply at major temples, special electrical illuminations, floral decorations, drinking water facilities, distribution of prasadam, sanitation maintenance, queue lines, CCTV surveillance, medical camps, emergency response systems, and fire safety measures.

Noting that a large number of devotees are likely to utilize the free bus travel scheme for women, he suggested that TGSRTC should operate special bus services.

Since a large number of devotees are expected at Golconda, Balkampet, Ujjaini Mahakali, Sabzi Mandi, and Akkanna Madanna temples, he directed police, traffic, intelligence, GHMC, and other civic departments to prepare comprehensive plans for security, traffic control, and crowd management.

He suggested giving special priority to the safety of women devotees and women staff on duty, and taking measures through advance planning so that no inconvenience is caused to the general public.

The Minister directed the Information and Public Relations Department to conduct extensive publicity on the uniqueness of Bonalu festival, history, traditions, program schedule, traffic restrictions, and facilities provided by the government. He suggested achieving widespread publicity through print media on the specialty of Bonalu. He indicated that all officials should work together in coordination during the conduct of the festivals.

Mentioning the historical importance of Golconda Bonalu, the Minister suggested continuing free entry for devotees visiting Golconda fort during the Ashadha month through the Archaeology Department.