Lal Darwaza temple committee in Hyderabad has demanded the state government to declared Bonalu as the state festival. The committee representatives have expressed their anguish over the apathetic approach of the goverment. Despite handing over a request letter for declaring Bonalu as the state festival nine years ago, the government didn't respond, added the representatives. It may be noted that Bonalu festival in twin cities would be wrapped on July 16 at Lal Darwaza. The committee reminded the government yet another time to declare the festival as the state festival by July 16 this year.

The temple committee has even mentioned that a photo exhibition on Bonalu festival would be held at Salarjung Museum on July 15 at 5 PM in coordination with Salarjung Museum. It may be noted that Bonalu festival is one of the biggest festivals in Telangana region. The bonalu (offering of food to Goddess Maha Kali) has been celebrated in this region for more than seven decades. The legend has it that when cholera epidemic broke out in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, people here prayed Goddess Shakti to save the children in the region. The cholera was said to have washed off from this region and as a token of gift, people offer prasadam (bonam) to Goddess.

AW Phani