Bonalu procession peaceful in old city

A caparisoned elephant carrying a photo of goddess Mahankali being taken out after 'Rangam' as part of the Bonalu festival in old city of Hyderabad on Monday. Photo: Nagara Gopal

The two day Bonalu festival passed off peacefully in the old city on Monday evening with the immersion of goddess Mahankali ‘ghatams’ in Musi river at Nayapul.

Led by a caparisoned elephant carrying the ‘ghatam’ of Akkanna Madanna temple of Hari Bowli, the procession comprising ghatams of 12 other Mahankali temples made its way through the Shahalibanda, Charminar, Gulzar Houz and Nayapul.

A few thousands of devotees lined along the procession route from Lal Darwaza to Nayapul to watch the convoy of ghatams. Cultural artists from different parts of the State entertained the crowds on the procession route.

Congress leaders Anjan Kumar Yadav, Madhu Yashki Goud, Ponnam Prabhakar Goud and BJP legislator Raja Singh welcomed the procession at Charminar.

After performing special prayers, they were immersed in the Musi at Nayapul marking the conclusion of the festival. Senior police officials supervised the security arrangements.