THIS IS THE SEASON OF 'BONALU' IN HYDERABAD (TELANGANA STATE)

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This is, I mean the month August, is the season of BONALU in Hyderabad of Telangana State , India. BONALU means 'rich meals' , 'heavy meals'. This is celebrated in different areas of Hyderabad on different days. Secunderabad Mahakali Bonalu is very famous for this festival. In this festival, people of different localities cook with rice, milk, jaggery, and keep it in an earthenware. They sprinkle turmeric powder and kumkum powder (red color powder) over it. They light an oil lamp in it and the pot will be taken to the deity and hand over there to the designated priest breaking a coconut. Some people offer do animal and other sacrifices also. The Deities in different localities are called with different names, like Mahankali, Pochamma, Yellamma, Maremma etc., The belief is that by doing so the Deity of the area/locality will protect them from the evil spirit and guard them against all odds. In the Bonalu at Secunderabad, the Deity enters into the body of a chosen devotee and gives annual predictions also. This will be attended by most of the people. This particular event is called RANGAM. Do you have such festivals in your state / country ?