Bonalu to be celebated at homes in Telangana
Corona has its effect on Bonalu now. As per telangana government decision, gathering of crowd is restricted. Devotees are requested to offer Bonalu in their homes only. But, from the government side, they will be offered to the temple. 'Bonam' is a telugu word which means a traditional vessel carrying decorated flowers, neem leaves with kumkum.
From decades together, Bonalu is being celebrated in the starting days of ‘Ashadam’ of telugu calendar. This represents telangana people who believe that Amma will receive this Bonam and bless people with good rains and harvest.
Due to Corona, social distance, personal hygiene have become compulsory. Union government too ordered to avoid religious gatherings with large number of people involved in praying. It seems the priests and senior heirs of temples are saying the same thing. In telangana, particularly in hyderabad, lakhs of people participate in Bonalu every year. If this happens this year, there will be a widespread of virus which cannot be controlled in near future.
That is why telangana government ordered devotees to celebrate Bonalu at their respective homes. Priests also suggesting that there won't be any bad effect if Bonam is offered to Goddess for this year at homes.