Bonalu blurs the line between the everyday and the sacred. Through ritual, costume and devotion, men and women become the living embodiment of goddesses, Potharaju and other mythical figures, carrying age-old traditions into the present. While most visitors encounter the festival in its public spectacle, photographers, many of whom set out on early morning photowalks, say the quiet moments of preparation reveal the true devotion behind the spectacle.
Pics: Priyanka Jeedigunta
Those moments of preparation, before the streets fill with devotees, tell a story that is every bit as important as the spectacle that follows— Priyanka Jeedigunta, photographer
Pics: Sai Thejeshwar
“The jewellery, heavy anklets, traditional ornaments and handcrafted pieces worn during Bonalu are slowly disappearing because fewer artisans are making them. These aren’t just accessories; they’re part of Bonalu’s identity, and it’s important to preserve them through photographs before they become memories”— Sai Thejeshwar, co-founder, Shutter Society Hyderabad
Pics: Tithi Dutta
“There is a whole other side to Bonalu beyond the main procession. Behind closed doors, the delicate work of preparing the Bonam idols unfolds — a beautiful, rarely seen ritual that reveals the deep traditions and quiet stories that make the festival so special. It is here, in the careful brushstrokes and draped garlands, that the ordinary slowly transforms into the sacred”— Tithi Dutta, student photographer
Pics: Naveen Janga
“The raw energy of Bonalu speaks to everyone. Every element of the city — the people, the weathered architecture, the shifting weather, the vibrant colours, and even the quiet, empty spaces — weaves together. It is this intricate layering that transforms a passing moment into a living narrative”— Naveen Janga, photographer
Pics: Rohit Mirdoddi
“While the main procession and the fierce Potharaju draw the crowds, a vibrant world unfolds just out of sight. The true magic of the festival lies in the little details: women getting dressed in heavy jewellery, families cooking together in temporary kitchens, and intimate rituals unfolding in quiet corners. It isn’t just the final spectacle; the entire journey, from preparation to the offering, is where the festival truly comes alive”— Rohit Mirdoddi, landscape architect
Pics: Sai Teja Rajulapati
Witnessing what happens before the procession — the hours of sitting still to get painted, the physical toll of the rituals, and the exhaustion of the crowds — shifted my entire perspective of the festival. It was no longer about chasing dramatic portraits; it became about understanding the humans beneath the paint— Sai Teja Rajulapati, photographer“The strongest photographs are those that capture people’s devotion and the enthusiasm with which they take part in the rituals. Many people attend the festival without knowing the stories behind the rituals or the effort that goes into the celebrations. Capturing these unseen moments helps preserve the traditions and stories that make Bonalu much more than spectacle on the streets,” says Tithi.— Sanjana Pulugurtha— With inputs by Divya Shree
