A Vibrant Tradition

Every year, parts of India—particularly the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad—celebrate Bonalu, a monthlong Hindu festival honoring the goddess Mahakali. The festival is said to have begun in 1813, after plague broke out. A military battalion prayed to the goddess for help, vowing that if she eradicated the disease, they’d install an idol of her in Hyderabad. Devotees believe that Mahakali stopped the spread, and since then, Bonalu has been a tradition. Today people make offerings to the goddess and special rituals are performed, including processions, dancing, and feasts. These photos come from a July procession in Hyderabad; the woman is dressed to look like Mahakali. People belonging to the Indian diaspora have their own Bonalu festivities in other parts of the world too, including U.S. cities such as New York, Seattle, and Houston. “Bonalu is a festival that goes beyond its religious significance,” the group that helped plan New York’s and Seattle’s events said in a statement. “By bringing people together, strengthening community bonds, and showcasing the region’s rich heritage and traditions, the event embodied the spirit of Bonalu.”