Bonalu 2026 festival begins at Golconda fort in Hyderabad

The Ashada Bonalu festival at Golconda Fort Jagadambika Ammavari Temple began with the offering of the first Bonam on Thursday, July 16.

Telangana Forest, Environment and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha and Hyderabad in-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar participated in the inaugural celebrations and offered silk sarees to the presiding deity.

The ministers were welcomed by temple priests with Vedic chants and a Purnakumbha ceremony at the festival venue in Langer Houz Charstha, Hyderabad. They later offered the first Bonam to Jagadambika Ammavaru



amid traditional drum beats, Poturaju performances, Shiva Sattulu dances and cultural programmes. The ministers also received the blessings of the deity.

Responding to a request from cultural artists, Minister Konda Surekha wore the Iragola on her hand and encouraged the performers.

During the programme, Ministers Konda Surekha and Ponnam Prabhakar released a booklet on the Ashada Bonalu festival prepared by the Cultural Department. On behalf of the Telangana government, they also handed over a cheque of Rs 11 lakh to the Jagadambika Temple Committee.