Hyderabad: The Telangana government sanctioned ₹20 crore for Bonalu Festival Arrangements and directed all departments to work together for smooth celebrations across Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts.
Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar chaired a high-level review meeting at the Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute in Jubilee Hills. The meeting reviewed preparations for the Bonalu festival, scheduled from July 16 to August 13 under the Endowments Department.
The Minister said Bonalu reflects Telangana’s culture, traditions, faith and spiritual heritage. He added that lakhs of devotees would visit Hyderabad during the Ashada month.
Bonalu Festival Arrangements prioritise devotee convenience
Ponnam Prabhakar directed the Endowments Department to ensure hassle-free darshan for every devotee. He said the Hyderabad administration has successfully managed Bonalu, Ganesh festivities, Ramzan and Moharram in previous years.
He asked every department to discharge its responsibilities efficiently. The Chief Minister, ministers, public representatives, senior officials and lakhs of devotees are expected to attend the celebrations.
The Minister said the government has steadily increased financial assistance to temples. Assistance reached 3,026 temples in 2025. It covered 1,253 temples in 2024. The government supported 1,073 temples each in 2022 and 2023. He directed officials to identify eligible temples transparently after assessing devotee turnout and local requirements.
Bonalu Festival Arrangements strengthen transport and security
The Minister directed officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply, decorative lighting, floral arrangements, drinking water, prasadam distribution, sanitation and proper queue management.
He also instructed departments to install CCTV cameras, set up medical camps and strengthen emergency response systems. In addition, officials must complete all fire safety arrangements.
Ponnam Prabhakar asked TGSRTC to operate special bus services because the women’s free bus travel scheme is expected to increase passenger traffic.
He directed police, traffic, intelligence, GHMC and civic departments to prepare integrated crowd management and security plans. The plans will cover Golconda, Balkampet, Ujjaini Mahankali, Subzi Mandi and Akkanna Madanna temples.
Moreover, the Minister stressed the safety of women devotees and women personnel. He also instructed officials to minimise public inconvenience through advance planning.
He directed the Information and Public Relations Department to publicise the festival’s history, significance, schedule, traffic diversions and facilities through print, electronic and digital media.
Finally, Ponnam Prabhakar requested the Archaeological Survey authorities to continue free entry to Golconda Fort for devotees during the Ashada Bonalu celebrations.