The State bifurcation has failed to be a regional barrier for folk artistes from Vijayawada as their art form is still in huge demand during Bonalu festivities in Secunderabad and Hyderabad during the ‘Ashadhamasam’.
Close to 100 folk artistes from One Town, Brahmanaveedhi and Chittinagar enthralled lakhs of devotees with their mesmerising performances during the Bonalu celebrations that were held at the historic Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad on Sunday and Monday. Folk artistes transformed themselves into demons and local goddesses like ‘Nallamaremma’, ‘Poleramma’, ‘Ganganamma’, ‘Nukalamma’ and ‘Mahishasuramardhini’ and danced to the rhythmic drumbeats in unison, drawing the attention of all and sundry.
The gathering at the celebrations was euphoric while enjoying the artistes’ feats of burning camphor on tongue and Koya dance when local deities were taken out in processions in the colourfully lit by-lanes of Secunderabad. The processions culminated at Sri Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad. “We utilise the services of Vijayawada folk artistes every year and the response as been overwhelming,” a procession organiser D. Rajappa said.
Troupe members said that they would be charging Rs.40,000, including transport charges. Food and accommodation is provided by the organisers, said a troupe in-charge Durgasai Siva Kumar from One Town in Vijayawada. “There are no regional differences. Devotees appreciate us for our performance,” a beaming Siva told The Hindu at Maruthi Street in Secunderabad. His troupe will perform at Bhoiguda, Begumpet, Chikkadpally, Fatehnagar and Bibinagar in Nalgonda district during the month-long festivities.
