Hyderabad: The city police have announced that liquor shops in several parts of Hyderabad will remain closed from July 13 to July 15 in view of the Sree Ujjaini Mahakali Jathara (Bonalu festival) celebrated in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
As per an order released by Police Commissioner CV Anand, all wine and toddy shops, including bars inside restaurants (except those located in star-rated hotels and officially registered clubs), will be required to remain shut from 6 am on July 13 until 6 am on July 15. This step is being taken to keep the festival peaceful and avoid any problems.
This order will apply to areas that fall under the North, East, and Central Zones of the city. Places like Gandhi Nagar, Chilkalguda, Lalaguda, Warasiguda, Begumpet, Gopalapuram, Tukaramgate, Marredpally, Mahankali, Ramgopalpet, and Market are included.
Police have asked the local people and shopkeepers to support this temporary shutdown so that the event can be celebrated smoothly and safely.
Bonalu Festival
Bonalu is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, along with other places in Telangana, during the Ashada Masam (July–August). The festival is held in honor of Goddess Mahakali. The name “bonam” comes from a meal offered to the Goddess as a thank-you for her blessings.
In 2014, Bonalu was officially named the State Festival of Telangana. The event centers around worshiping Goddess Mahakali. On this day, women cook a special dish called “bonam” using rice, jaggery, and milk.
The food prepared is then put in pots made of brass or clay, and is decorated with neem leaves, turmeric, and vermilion. Women carry these pots on their heads and visit the temples. They are joined by groups of people playing traditional music and dancing. The festival also witnesses Potharaju dance performance. The festival is a way to thank the Goddess for protecting the people and to ask for her continued support.