Telangana Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy Celebrates Bonalu Festival at Bhagyalakshmi Temple
Telangana Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, along with his family, offered prayers at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple in Hyderabad on the occasion of the Bonalu festival. The minister presented silk clothes to the goddess as an offering.
The Bonalu festival is a traditional Hindu celebration dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, observed predominantly in Telangana. It is attended by people from Hyderabad and Secunderabad during July and August. Special poojas are conducted for Goddess Yellamma, a regional form of Goddess Mahakali.
The festival is a form of thanksgiving to Goddess Kali for answering prayers and fulfilling wishes. The term ‘Bonam’ comes from ‘Bhojanam’, meaning feast in Telugu. Women prepare rice with jaggery in new earthen pots, adorned with turmeric, vermillion, and neem leaves. A lamp is lit on top of the pot, which women carry on their heads to offer to Goddess Yellamma, along with bangles and a sari.
During the Mahankali Bonalu Festival, all liquor shops, including non-proprietary clubs, star hotels, and restaurants, will not sell or serve liquor across Hyderabad.
Doubts Revealed
Telangana -: Telangana is a state in southern India. It was formed in 2014 when it separated from Andhra Pradesh.
Minister -: A minister is a person who is in charge of a government department. In this case, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy is a minister in the Telangana government.
Komatireddy Venkat Reddy -: Komatireddy Venkat Reddy is a politician from Telangana. He is a minister in the state government.
Bonalu Festival -: Bonalu is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in Telangana. It is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali and involves offering special food to the goddess.
Bhagyalakshmi Temple -: Bhagyalakshmi Temple is a famous temple in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi.
Hyderabad -: Hyderabad is the capital city of Telangana. It is known for its rich history and culture.
Silk clothes -: Silk clothes are garments made from silk, a soft and shiny fabric. In Hindu rituals, offering silk clothes to deities is considered auspicious.
Goddess Mahakali -: Goddess Mahakali is a form of the Hindu goddess Kali. She is worshipped for her power and strength.
Rice with jaggery -: Rice with jaggery is a sweet dish made by cooking rice with jaggery, a type of unrefined sugar. It is often used in religious offerings.
Earthen pots -: Earthen pots are traditional clay pots used for cooking and storing food. They are often used in religious rituals.
Turmeric -: Turmeric is a yellow spice commonly used in Indian cooking and rituals. It is considered sacred and has medicinal properties.
Vermillion -: Vermillion is a bright red powder used in Hindu rituals. It is often applied on the forehead as a mark of devotion.
Neem leaves -: Neem leaves come from the neem tree, which is known for its medicinal properties. They are often used in religious rituals for their purifying qualities.
Goddess Yellamma -: Goddess Yellamma is another form of the Hindu goddess Kali. She is worshipped in various parts of India, especially in Telangana.
