Hyderabad, June 10:
In a proactive step towards ensuring smooth arrangements for the upcoming Bonalu festival, a high-level coordination meeting was held today at Dr. MCR HRD Institute of Telangana
‧ The meeting was chaired by Telangana Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, with key participation from BC Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar. Senior public representatives including Hyderabad Mayor, Vijaya Lakshmi R Gadwal and the Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha Shobhan Reddy. MP Anil Kumar Yadav, MLA Danam Nagender, MLA Balamuri Venkat,MLA Marri Rajasekhar Reddy, and PCC Vice President and Sanathnagar in-charge Kota Neelima were present.
The meeting saw representation from various temple committees and Seva Samithi members from across the twin cities, who came together to discuss logistical and administrative needs for the historic Ujjaini Mahankali Temple Jatra in Secunderabad — a major event that draws over 10 lakh devotees from Telangana and neighboring states each year.
PCC Vice President Kota Neelima addressed the gathering, stressing that while the government successfully met many demands during last year’s festival, the scale of the Jatra continues to grow, requiring upgraded support. She urged for enhanced infrastructure, better inter-departmental coordination, and regular field visits by officials to the temple to ensure timely preparations and development.
Kota Neelima further assured that her team, along with the Deccan Manav Seva Samithi (DMSS), will work closely with authorities to facilitate smooth execution of the Jatra and provide unwavering support to maintain the cultural and devotional significance of the festival.
Representatives from various temple committees and DMSS shared their experiences from the 2023 celebrations, highlighting key issues such as crowd management, electricity and water supply, police coordination, and transport support. They praised the efforts of the police in streamlining crowd control by introducing new queue systems, and requested that such measures be continued and strengthened this year.
Suggestions were also made for improved services, including the use of battery-operated vehicles for elderly devotees, increased drinking water distribution, and enhanced sanitation facilities.
A major point of discussion was the *issuance of VIP passes. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar responded by stating that distribution of such passes would be kept minimal and well-regulated to avoid disruptions in crowd flow. He also proposed exploring options for ticketed special poojas or darshan slots to manage the crowds effectively, especially during peak hours.
However, the proposal faced opposition from the *Deccan Manav Seva Samithi*, who strongly advocated against ticketing or commercializing any part of the Jatra. They stressed that for over a century, the Bonalu celebrations at Ujjaini Mahankali Temple have been free and open to all devotees, and maintaining this tradition is essential to preserving its spiritual legacy.
DMSS President Konka Raghu Mohan, along with members including C.K. Narsing Rao, Kamal Kumar, Hari Babu, Vinod, Vasundhara Raj, Raju, Naidu, Vishal, Seelam Anurag, and Shashank Paupuleti, reaffirmed their commitment to coordinating with all departments. The Samithi has been serving the community for over 45 years, a tradition established by their founder, former Sanathnagar MLA Seelam Ramdas
Endowments Minister Konda Surekha concluded the meeting by assuring that all concerns and suggestions would be considered. She emphasized that the government is committed to facilitating a safe, well-organized, and spiritually fulfilling Bonalu festival. Preparatory works will commence immediately to ensure a seamless experience for the lakhs of devotees expected to attend.
