'Bonalu' festival at Ujjaini Mahankali temple

Hyderabad, Jul 20: Thousands of devotees thronged the ancient Sri Ujjaini Mahankali temple on the occasion of the annual Bonalu festival, which began on a colourful note here today.

'Potharajus,' with vermilion and turmeric smeared all over their body, were the cynosure of all eyes as they danced to the 'teenmar' drumbeats along with the devotees.

Police have made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the procession, held as part of the festival.

The festival would continue tomorrow with 'Rangam' (foretelling the future) and a grand procession of the Goddess atop elephant.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy visited the temple and offered 'pattu vastrams' to the deity before leaving for New Delhi.

State Backward Classes Welfare Minister Mukhesh Goud, MP from Secunderabad Anjan Kumar Yadav and Nava Telangana Praja Party (NTPP) leader T Devendar Goud were among the VIPs, who visited the temple this morning.

UNI