The Indian community in Auckland came together enthusiastically and passionately to celebrate the Bonalu festival, a vibrant celebration of the culture and traditions of Telangana.
Bonalu is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in the southern Indian state of Telangana, particularly in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
The word Bonalu is derived from the Telugu term ‘Bhojanalu’, which means a meal or a feast. It holds immense significance in Telangana, symbolising devotion to Goddess Mahankaali and seeking her blessings.
Organised by New Zealand Telangana Central Association, the event at the Papakura Ganesh Temple was indeed a day of joy, devotion and cultural pride.
The celebration on July 16, 2023, had the temple adorned with colourful decorations, and the scent of incense filled the air, setting the stage for a festive ambience.
The premises was teeming with enthusiastic attendees, proudly dressed in traditional attire. The rhythmic beats of the drums reverberated through the air, invoking a sense of celebration and unity among the crowd.
The main altar sparkled inside the temple with beautiful floral arrangements, garlands, and intricate rangoli patterns. A sense of reverence and devotion filled the space as priests, led by Priest Chandru, prepared for the traditional offering.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Member of Parliament Helen White, and community leaders like Narendra Bhana, Navtej Randhawa and Kharag Singh.
New Zealand Telangana Central Association President Kalyan Rao Kasuganti said, “It was the first occasion a minister of cabinet rank attended the Bonalu festival in New Zealand and across the globe. Minister Radhakrishnan’s presence added an extra layer of honour and pride to the celebrations
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the honourable minister for attending the Bonalu event and gracing it with her esteemed presence.”
Beyond the sacred confines of the temple, a cultural extravaganza unfolded, mesmerising hundreds of attendees with traditional Telangana dance performances and soul-stirring music.
The festive spirit fostered a sense of camaraderie and cultural pride as the attendees danced and clapped together, celebrating their heritage and embracing their roots.
A sumptuous ‘mahaprasadam’ served to all the devotees aimed to forge deep bonds and emphasised the essence of community unity.
As celebrations were in full swing, a large screen displayed a heartwarming video message from former Indian parliamentarian Kalvakuntla Kavitha, who is now a municipal councillor in the state, conveying her warm Bonalu wishes to the Auckland gathering.
She was scheduled to attend the event, but she reportedly faced technical issues with her visa and could not attend in person. Her heartfelt message resonated with the audience, strengthening their connection to their homeland.
Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust’s Chairperson Jeet Suchdev expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the invitation to attend the festival, and described the experience as truly extraordinary.
Another attendee, Rani Nalam, said, “It was a very well-organised and well-attended event. Felt blessed to be part of such a beautiful celebration.”
On a parting note, Kasuganti said, "This Telangana Bonalu celebration was a significant milestone in promoting Telangana culture, traditions, and spirituality in New Zealand.”
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