The second day of Bonalu festivities commenced at the Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, Secunderabad with the traditional “Rangam”. Standing on an earthen pot (Pacchi Kunda) near the Temple, Swarnalatha, the oracle, invoked the Goddess and performed the Rangam and answered a number of questions posed by the devotees.
The oracle said that while devotees came to her darshan with joy every year, this year it was different and they were coming to her with grief. She said the Bangaru (Golden) Bonam offered this year by the State Government caused joy to her on one hand, and pained her on the other. She wanted the authorities to make sure that devotees are not subjected to any inconvenience.
She said that all the women (aadapaduchulu) are grief-ridden this year. She made it clear that all is not well this year. There was a feeling among the Government and the officials that good is being done to her devotees and the people; but in reality, more harm is being done to them (this year). There is vast gap between what is being said and what is being done actually. People are cursing (the Government and officials), she said.
She, however, assured that she herself will bless all her children—those who have offered her nose ornaments (mukkupudaka) and also those who have not given her. She would be always on the side justice and righteousness. Similarly, she would punish the bad elements. She said she never cursed anyone. She would take the responsibility of seeing all people happy.
Replying to a volley of questions, she said there will be abundant rains in coming days and agriculture production will also increase.
After the Rangam, the portrait of the goddess was taken out in a procession in the streets on a caparisoned elephant. In the evening a “Palaharapu bandla” procession was taken out from different areas to the temple as part of festivities.
Speaking to the media, Cinematography Minister T. Srinivas Yadav said the festivities were being conducted on a grand note. The State Government is extending all support to ensure smooth conduct of the festivities.