Thousands Brave Heat for Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu

On Sunday, August 2, 2026, the Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad witnessed a massive turnout of devotees for the annual Bonalu festivities. Braving intense afternoon heat reaching 30°C, hundreds of thousands of worshippers gathered to offer prayers to Goddess Mahankali.

Devotees began arriving as early as 5 a.m., with morning visitors experiencing shorter wait times. As the day progressed, queues extended up to a kilometre along the roads, with many devotees waiting for hours under the sun. Women carried traditional 'bonams'—earthen pots filled with cooked rice, milk, and jaggery—as offerings.

The festive spirit was amplified by the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and the lively performances of Potharajus, who danced energetically through the streets. Dedicated queues for women and barricades were established to manage the significant crowd, supported by police and volunteers ensuring smooth crowd flow.

For many families, including those visiting since 2021, attending Bonalu at this temple is a cherished annual tradition, considered incomplete without the goddess's blessings. Despite the heat, the event proceeded smoothly, unlike previous years which sometimes saw rain. Many attendees captured memories with photographs after offering their prayers.