Hyderabad, July 31: Former Minister and Sanathnagar MLA Talasani Srinivas Yadav on Friday said the Bonalu festival is a symbol of Telangana’s rich culture and traditions, while reviewing preparations for the Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Ammavari Bonalu celebrations scheduled to be held in Secunderabad on August 2.
Inspecting the arrangements along with officials from various departments, Talasani said lakhs of devotees from across Telangana and neighbouring states are expected to participate in the nearly 200-year-old Mahankali Ammavari Jatara. He directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements so that devotees do not face any inconvenience during the festivities.
The MLA said all government departments are working in coordination to provide essential facilities, including crowd management, sanitation, drinking water, power supply, and traffic regulation for the smooth conduct of the festival.
Recalling the initiatives taken after the formation of Telangana, Talasani said the previous BRS government led by K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) declared Bonalu as the State Festival and enhanced its prominence. He added that the government had also introduced financial assistance to temples to help organise Bonalu celebrations on a grand scale.
The review meeting was attended by Zonal Commissioner Manga Tayaru, Water Works General Manager Sridhar, Temple Executive Officer Manohar Reddy, AE Chandrasekhar, former corporators Attili Mallikarjun Goud and Attili Aruna Goud, BRS leaders, representatives of Deccan Manava Seva Samiti, Arya Samaj, volunteers from various NGOs, and other officials.
