Governor invokes Goddess Mahankali’s blessings for Telangana’s prosperity
Hyderabad, July 16 (TNT): Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday said the Bonalu festival reflects the spiritual ethos, cultural identity and collective faith of the people of Telangana while symbolising the state’s rich traditions of devotion and communal harmony.
Participating in the historic Golconda Bonalu Mahotsavam, organised by the Bhagyanagar Bonalu Utsava Samithi at Golconda Fort, the Governor offered prayers to Sri Jagadambika Mahankali Ammavaru and sought the Goddess’ blessings for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people.
Addressing devotees, Shukla said Bonalu was not merely a religious festival but a celebration of devotion to the Divine Mother, reverence for Shakti and Telangana’s living cultural heritage.
He said the tradition of offering Bonam during the Ashada month symbolises the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, which has been an integral part of Indian civilisation for centuries.
The Governor observed that the use of turmeric, neem leaves and flowers in Bonalu rituals reflected the ecological wisdom and scientific outlook of India’s ancestors, while traditions such as Ghatam, Pothuraju and Rangam continue to preserve Telangana’s unique cultural heritage.
He said prayers offered during the festival for timely rains, abundant harvests and social well-being reflected the Indian ethos of gratitude towards nature.
Bonalu, he added, reinforces the ideals of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu”, promoting universal peace, harmony and the welfare of all.
Invoking the blessings of Goddess Mahankali, the Governor prayed for peace, good health and prosperity for Telangana, the country and the world.
He also extended Bonalu greetings to the people and appealed to devotees to celebrate the festival with devotion, discipline and communal harmony.
Joint Secretary to the Governor K. Shashikiranachary, Bhagyanagar Bonalu Utsava Samithi President Dr. Bhagavanth Rao, Golconda Jagadambika Temple Development Committee Chief Advisor Raju Ustad, General Secretary Rahul Swagat, Golconda Jagadambika Utsava Samithi President Akula Chandrasekhar, members of the organising committees and a large number of devotees were present.
TNT TS
