By City Bureau
Hyderabad, July 10, 2026: Telangana Endowments Minister Smt. Konda Surekha chaired a high-level coordination review meeting at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Devasthanam, Secunderabad, to review the arrangements for the forthcoming Ashada Bonalu Festival 2026. The meeting was attended by officials from the Endowments Department, Hyderabad City Police, Traffic Police, GHMC, HMWSSB, Health Department, Fire Services, Electricity Department, temple authorities and representatives of various voluntary organisations.
The review meeting focused on law and order, traffic management, crowd regulation, CCTV surveillance, sanitation, uninterrupted drinking water and electricity supply, medical facilities, emergency response systems and special arrangements for women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Bonalu celebrations.
Representing Deccan Manava Seva Samithi (DMSS), Shashank Pasupuleti briefed the Minister on the organisation’s 100-year legacy of selfless voluntary service during the Bonalu festival. He explained the Samithi’s longstanding role in coordinating Palaharam Bandlu, assisting devotees, supporting temple authorities and extending voluntary services in coordination with various government departments during the annual festivities.
Presenting the Samithi’s recommendations, Shashank Pasupuleti requested better coordination among all government departments during the Pothuraju processions, Ghatam procession and Palaharam Bandlu. He urged the Police Department to provide devotees with adequate opportunity to witness these traditional events while maintaining law and order, instead of dispersing crowds prematurely.
He also appealed to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to commence drinking water arrangements from Friday, considering the early arrival of devotees and volunteers ahead of the main festivities. He further requested adequate drinking water, temporary lighting and essential civic amenities at the smaller temples surrounding the Ujjaini Mahankali Temple. He also emphasised the need for stronger coordination between the Police Department, civic agencies and voluntary organisations to ensure a safe, smooth and devotee-friendly Bonalu festival.
Kamal Kumar suggested the deployment of battery-operated vehicles to facilitate the movement of elderly devotees, persons with disabilities and those facing mobility challenges during the Bonalu celebrations.
The Minister appreciated the century-long public service rendered by Deccan Manava Seva Samithi and took note of the suggestions submitted by its representatives as part of the overall Bonalu preparations.
During the interaction, members of the Samithi also placed several recommendations before the Minister and officials.
Raghumohan Konka, President of Deccan Manava Seva Samithi, appealed for close coordination among all departments to ensure the Bonalu festival is conducted in a smooth, safe and devotee-friendly manner.
Mashetty Srinivas suggested strengthening coordination between voluntary organisations and government departments to provide seamless services throughout the festival.
C.K. Narasimha Rao requested improved crowd management and better public facilities for devotees.
Seelam Anurag requested that traditional Bonalu band parties be permitted to participate without unnecessary restrictions, preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of the festival.
Hari Babu Yadav sought uninterrupted drinking water, adequate lighting and essential civic amenities for devotees throughout the festival period.
T.Vasundhar emphasised the need for medical camps and special facilities for women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Among the Deccan Manava Seva Samithi representatives, Raju, Dayanand, Srinivas and Raghu also participated in the coordination review meeting and extended their support to the organisation’s suggestions for enhancing devotee welfare and ensuring the smooth conduct of the Bonalu celebrations.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Kota Neelima, Shashidhar Reddy, senior government officials, temple committee members and representatives of various service organisations, who discussed comprehensive arrangements for the successful conduct of the Bonalu festival.
Addressing the officials, Minister Konda Surekha directed all departments to complete the necessary arrangements well in advance and work in close coordination to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience. She stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness, strengthening security, ensuring uninterrupted civic amenities and providing efficient public services throughout the Bonalu celebrations.
The meeting also reviewed the Bonalu schedule, with Ghatotsavam scheduled for 19 July 2026, the main Bonalu celebrations on 2 August 2026, followed by the traditional Rangam and Gajavahana Seva on 3 August 2026.
On the occasion, Deccan Manava Seva Samithi also extended its heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Executive Committee and Trust Board of Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Devasthanam. The Samithi wished the newly elected office-bearers a successful tenure and expressed confidence that, under their leadership, the temple administration would continue to uphold the rich traditions of Bonalu while further enhancing facilities, services and the overall experience for lakhs of devotees visiting the shrine every year.
The coordination meeting reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to organising the Bonalu festival in a safe, well-coordinated and devotee-centric manner through the collective efforts of government departments, temple authorities and voluntary organisations, while recognising the valuable contribution of Deccan Manava Seva Samithi, which has been serving devotees with dedication for the past 100 years.
