Bonalu Jathara

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Bonalu is one of the most spiritually intense and community-centered festivals in Telangana, dedicated to Grama Devathas like Shri Shri Nalla Pochamma Thalli Ammavaru. It is an expression of deep gratitude and surrender, performed to seek divine protection, fulfill vows (mokku) and celebrate Amma’s fierce grace.

At Sri Sri Nalla Pochamma Devalayam, Bonalu Jathara is conducted with devotional grandeur, traditional discipline, and immense participation from the local and extended community. Each ritual is steeped in significance, connecting devotees to divine energy through rhythm, offerings, colors, and sacred movement.

The Ghatam, a sacred copper pot representing the goddess herself, is installed, decorated, and worshipped on the opening day of the Jathara. Adorned with turmeric, neem leaves, kumkum, and silk cloth, the Ghatam is carried by the temple pujari or a spiritually chosen devotee through a traditional procession across the locality.
It is accompanied by drummers (dappu), kolatam groups, and haridasus, as the goddess is symbolically brought into the village amidst chants and songs.

This ritual involves bathing the idol of Amma with sacred milk, turmeric, and kumkum — an act of cleansing, cooling, and invoking divine compassion. It is believed to remove negative energies and energize the deity, while also granting health and prosperity to devotees. The milk used is often donated by families as part of their mokku.

During Bonalu, Amma is adorned each day in different forms of Shakti — like Durga, Kali, Annapurna, Rajarajeshwari, Mahishasura Mardhini — using colorful sarees, floral garlands, traditional ornaments, and artistic decorations (muggulu, lamps). These alankarams symbolize her multiple roles as mother, protector, destroyer of evil, and giver of boons.

Women prepare Bonam — a pot filled with cooked rice, jaggery, curd, turmeric, and adorned with neem leaves and lamps — and offer it to Amma while carrying it on their heads in devotion. Each Bonam is a fulfillment of a vow or a thanksgiving for prayers answered. The act of carrying Bonam is symbolic of carrying one's gratitude and surrender to the goddess.

On one of the Jathara days, the divine celestial wedding of Amma with Mallanna Swamy (Mallikarjuna) is performed. The ritual includes mangalasnanam, pellikuthuru functions, tying of mangalsutra, and harathi, representing the union of divine energies. It is a highly auspicious and joyful event, celebrated with music, mangalavadyam, and prasadam distribution.

Annadanam, the offering of free meals to devotees, is considered one of the highest forms of charity. On all major Bonalu days, food is cooked and served to hundreds of devotees, sadhus, and children — reflecting the goddess’s nature as Annapurna (giver of nourishment).

As a symbolic act of removing evil spirits and negative forces, the Bali Gampa (a symbolic offering pit or carried cart) is prepared with animal symbols made of flour or fruits, representing sacrificial energy. It is taken around in procession and offered to protect the village from disease, drought, and bad omens.

Thottela are colorful paper or cloth decorations shaped like temple towers or umbrellas, handcrafted by devotees as offerings. These are carried in vibrant processions, often accompanied by drumming and devotional dances. Their vibrant display brings festive charm and visual devotion to the Jathara.

A traditional bullock cart procession (bandi uregimpu) carrying the symbolic presence of Amma or her offerings, escorted by musicians and devotees. It is one of the final processions of the Jathara, symbolizing the return of Amma’s energy back to the sanctum and the completion of her annual village tour.

Bonalu Jathara is not just a celebration — it is a spiritual offering from the heart of the people to the heart of the goddess. It revives culture, renews faith, and blesses generations.

We invite all devotees to participate in this year’s Jathara and become part of this divine vibration that has protected and uplifted our community for decades.