Hyderabad, Jul 11: The colorful annual Ashada Bonalu festival began Today with the offering of the first Bonam (cooked rice in a decorated brass pot) to Goddess Jagadambika in the temple at the historic Golconda Fort.
A procession consisting of devotees was taken out from Langar Houz to the Golconda fort as part of the festivities.
In a traffic advisory, police asked the people to avoid Bonalu routes and take alternate routes.
Ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav and Indrakaran Reddy presented silk robes to the goddess.
The Bonalu festival will be held at the famous Sri Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad on July 25.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has greeted the people of Telangana on the occasion of the beginning of the Bonalu festival celebrations.
Mr. Rao said that the Bonalu festival, which starts with presenting a Bonum’ to Goddess Jagadambika at Golconda fort, is a symbol for the ‘Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb’ of the ‘sabbanda varnas’ (Artisan classes, Majority of people who hitherto participating in production process).
He said with the blessings from the Mother Goddess and the state government’s determination, Telangana became Annapurna (who offers food) to the entire country.
The Chief Minister prayed that Telangana people should lead a happy and contented life with prosperity, good health and wished that the Goddess’ blessings should be forever on them. (UNI)