Bonalu, a traditional festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Telangana, will be celebrated in Auckland with full fervour.
The event at Papakura's Ganesh Temple, which will take place Sunday, July 16, is being organised by New Zealand Telangana Central Association (an umbrella organisation of regional Telangana community groups) with support of Bharat Jagruthi.
According to New Zealand Telangana Central Association president, Kalyan Rao Kasuganti, the event has been planned in a grand manner and will witness the participation of many distinguished guests.
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Talking to The Indian Weekender, he said, “The celebration is planned special as it is for the first time that a minister is taking part in the Bonalu celebrations. NZ’s minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan as well as cultural ambassador of Telangana Bharat Jagruthi, and founder MLC Kavitha will participate in the same.
“We expect many dignitaries, including Hon Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon, parliamentarian Helen White and leaders from various political parties and community groups among others to attend it along with about 1,500 devotees.”
The festival of Bonalu is usually celebrated during Ashada Masam, which falls in July or August. It is a way for devotees to express their gratitude to the goddess Yellamma, believed to be one of the forms of the goddess Mahakali.
Bonalu derives its name from the word ‘bonam’, which means a meal or feast in Telugu. During the festival, women carry pots decorated with neem leaves, turmeric, and vermilion on their heads.
These pots contain rice cooked with milk and jaggery, along with a lamp on top. The women offer these pots and turmeric-vermilion, bangles, and saris to the deity in various temples.
The Telangana Bonalu celebration in New Zealand aims to replicate this traditional festival and seek the blessings of Mahankaali. The event's highlight will be the offering of Bonam, a special prasad to the goddess.
Additionally, there will be a ‘parikrama’ (circumambulation) with 101 Bonalu, ‘shakambari’ adornment, special drums, and mahaprasadam distribution.
“The response from community groups has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their eagerness to participate and offer Bonam.
“Such events play an essential role in bringing the Kiwi-Indian community together, allowing them to share in the joy of Telangana festivities and reconnect with their Indian roots,” says Kasuganti.
One of the devotees, Pratigya Reddy, said, “This historic celebration of Telangana Bonalu in New Zealand promises to be a memorable event that strengthens cultural bonds and fosters a sense of unity among the participants. I am so looking forward to it and to offer my prayers."
What: Telangana Bonalu festival celebration
Where: Auckland Sri Ganesh Temple, 4 Dent Place, Papakura, Auckland 2110
When: Sunday, July 16, 2023
Timings: 10.30am to 1:30pm
Free Entry
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