Public throng to witness festivities

People from across the state congregated at the Golconda Fort on Thursday to witness the start of Bonalu festivities. The viewers were excited to spot artists and performers, with many pointing to third-generation potharajus and huddling closer to get a better look, even as Covid-19 protocols went for a toss.

Vaishnavi Rajput, a resident of Golconda, said, “We participate in this festival every year. This has been the tradition for the last 50-60 years in our family. The Bonam passes through our locality as it begins, so we come here to welcome the procession.”

Md. Abdul Javed, a shopkeeper in the same locality, said, “Since Telangana has been formed, the scale of this festival has become massive. The entire area becomes colourful during the festival. The energy is high this time, following lockdowns and Covidmarred low-key festivities.” The highlight of the procession was Lambada artists and potharaju dancers.

A seven-year-old boy, Naresh Kumar, accompanied by his grandfather, came dressed as a potharaju. His grandfather Koteshwar Rao, a resident of Nagamaiah Kunta VST Road, said, “I used to be a potharaju as a child and now, I want my grandson to carry on the tradition.”

P. Kumar, among a group of artists participating in the procession for the past 40 years, said, “I have been a part of this theatrical group since I was seven years old. Since Telangana was formed, the artists have been given more leverage by the government to take part in the Bonalu celebrations.”

A ‘dappu’ group, Ramana Patalam Mandalam, has been part of this procession for the past 24 years.