The ‘Bonalu’ festival, reflecting Telangana’s rich culture and traditions, was celebrated with zeal and euphoria on August 7th, 2018 at Dr. MCR HRD Institute. The entire campus of the Institute, which displayed a carnival-like atmosphere, was enveloped in a festive mood.
B P Acharya, IAS, Special Chief Secretary & the Director General of the Institute, along with eleven IAS Officer Trainees of 2017 batch allotted to Telangana, witnessed the proceedings of the celebrations.In addition, a large number of Officers, Faculty, Staff, and Trainees,participated in the festivities, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion.
The colorful Bonalu procession started from Godavari Block and culminated at the Temple on the campus of the Institute. The women dressed in traditional finest attire, carriedbonam in clay pots on their heads,which consists of cooked rice, jaggery, curd and turmeric water, and offered it to the Goddess Mahankali at the temple.
A team of Bonalu artists, sponsored by the Department of Culture, Government of Telangana, dressed up as various goddesses and mythological characters, participated in the procession. The rhythmic drumbeats, energetic dances, melodious folk songs, and the occasional whiplashes by Potharajus were the visual feast for the spectators. Several employees of the Institute gave in to the festive mood, matched step-for-step with the professional artiststhe Department of Culture, and enthralled those present on the occasion.
“The Bonalu festival has not only survived but also thrived over the centuries. It is a testimony of commitment for coexistence of faiths and oneness of humanity in the Telangana region”, said B P Acharya, IAS.
“The participation in the Bonalu festival gave us an opportunity to enjoy the rich culture and vibrant traditions of Telangana”, the IAS Officer Trainees allotted to Telanganaopined unanimously.
