Bonalu is more than a festival—it’s the heartbeat of Telangana’s devotion to the Mother Goddess. Rooted in ancient village traditions and the worship of Grama Devatas, it transforms Hyderabad into a living tapestry of devotion, ritual and culture. From trance-induced prophecies to the fierce dance of Pothurajus, every moment is an embodiment of Shakti — both protective and powerful.
At a time when Muslim invasions had devastated much of North India and were sweeping into the South, two brothers—Harihara and Bukka—guided by the sage Vidyaranya, laid the foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336. More than a kingdom, it became a bastion of Hindu dharma, shielding the South for over two centuries. This is the story of its origins and enduring legacy.
The Kakatiya dynasty, ruling from Orugallu (present-day Warangal), significantly influenced Telugu history and culture. They unified the distinct cultures of the Deccan and Coastal plains, fostering a common Telugu identity. Renowned for their architectural achievements and contributions to Telugu society, the Kakatiyas are remembered as key architects of Telugu unity and cultural heritage.
The Jagannatha Ratha Yatra of Puri, Odisha, while not the only such event in the country, is certainly the most prominent and important one. The siblings Jaganatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra (Krishna with His elder brother and younger sister) are brought out and travel to their aunt's house, known as the Gundicha temple, where they stay for a two week period.
Ratnakar Sadasyula throws light on the lesser known aspects of the Ratha Yatra, its traditions and procedures, in detail.
The Telugu states were more often a battleground for various kingdoms and dynasties, with constant battles often fought here for supremacy. This has resulted in a distinct style of temple architecture here.