
Jim McMahon

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
A performer doing a fire stunt at a Bonalu festival procession in Hyderabad, India, in July. Mahesh Kumar A./AP Images
A Vibrant Tradition
Jim McMahon
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