Kishan Reddy offers prayers at Khairatabad's seven temples on Bonalu
Synopsis
Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy visited the seven temples of Khairatabad, Hyderabad, on August 9, 2026, to offer prayers and perform special puja on Bonalu, praying to Ammavaru for peace and prosperity for all.
Key Takeaways
Kishan Reddy , Union Minister of Coal and Mines and BJP Telangana state president, visited the seven temples of Khairatabad on Bonalu, August 9, 2026 .
He performed a special puja and offered prayers to Ammavaru (Goddess Mahakali), seeking blessings of peace, prosperity, and happiness for all.
Bonalu is an annual Telangana Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, marked by temple visits and community offerings.
The Khairatabad locality in Hyderabad is known for its cluster of seven temples that draw large crowds during the Bonalu season.
Senior political leaders across parties in Telangana routinely participate in Bonalu as part of the state's strong devotional tradition.
Amid the beat of drums and the fragrance of fresh marigolds, Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy visited the seven temples of Khairatabad, Hyderabad, on Sunday, August 9, 2026, to offer prayers and perform a special puja on the occasion of Bonalu — Telangana's beloved festival of the mother goddess.
Reddy prayed to Ammavaru — the local name for Goddess Mahakali — seeking her divine grace for 'peace, prosperity, happiness, and well-being' for all. The Khairatabad cluster of temples is among the most prominent destinations in Hyderabad during the Bonalu season, drawing thousands of devotees each year.
Bonalu: Telangana's festival of devotion and offering
Bonalu is an annual Hindu festival celebrated with particular fervour across Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Devotees carry earthen pots of cooked rice — the 'bonam' or offering — on their heads to local temples of Mahakali, accompanied by folk music, processions, and elaborate rituals. The festival is deeply rooted in the region's cultural identity and marks a season when communities gather around neighbourhood temples in a shared act of gratitude and prayer.BJP's Telangana chief at the heart of the celebrations
As BJP Telangana state president, Reddy's participation in Bonalu carries both devotional and political resonance. Senior political figures across party lines in Telangana routinely take part in the festival, reflecting the deep social significance of the occasion in the state. His presence at the seven temples of Khairatabad underscores the BJP's ongoing effort to build cultural connect with Telangana's communities ahead of future electoral cycles. For the millions who celebrate Bonalu each year, the minister's prayer carries a simple, universal message — may Ammavaru's grace touch every household.Point of View
A state the party has been working to consolidate since the 2023 assembly defeat. Participation in regionally significant festivals like Bonalu signals an effort to position the party as rooted in local tradition, not just national politics. For the BJP's Telangana chief, such visible community engagement is as much about long-term electoral groundwork as it is about personal faith. The optics of a senior Union minister at a beloved neighbourhood festival carry a quiet but deliberate message to Telangana voters.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bonalu festival in Telangana?
Bonalu is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to Goddess Mahakali (Ammavaru). Devotees carry pots of cooked rice as offerings to local temples, accompanied by folk music and processions.
Where is Khairatabad located and why is it significant during Bonalu?
Khairatabad is a locality in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is home to a cluster of seven temples that are among the most prominent destinations for devotees during the Bonalu festival season.
Who is G. Kishan Reddy?
G. Kishan Reddy is the Union Minister of Coal and Mines in the Government of India and also serves as the BJP state president for Telangana.
What did Kishan Reddy pray for at the Bonalu puja?
Kishan Reddy prayed to Ammavaru — the mother goddess Mahakali — for peace, prosperity, happiness, and well-being for all, as stated in his post on August 9, 2026.
Why do politicians participate in Bonalu celebrations?
Bonalu holds deep cultural and social significance in Telangana. Political leaders across parties participate in the festival to engage with local communities and demonstrate respect for the region's devotional traditions.
