Bonalu - The Ghatam Procession

The beginning of Bonalu is marked by a procession of 'ghatalu' (plural of ghatam). Ghatalu, decorated and piled one over the other are daily taken out in a procession for a fortnight in the first half of Aashada.

The purpose of Ghatalu taken out in procession is to provide a symbolic 'darshan' of the 'Mother' to the old, infirm and disabled who cannot visit the temple on their own. Such people offer their prayers to these ghatalu right at their doorsteps, such offers of prayers are believed to be equal to a visit to one of the temples. Thus the objective of providing access to god to one and all for cleansing of their sins is achieved.

The ghatalu are carried only by the members of certain families established have this tradition in their families and others are not eligible.

A Ghatam is a copper vessel. They are placed one over the other and bound by bamboo sticks and decorated with flowers. Neem leaves, considered to be sacred and dear to the Goddess, are placed on the pile of ghatalu. The center of the pile is decorated with a mask of face of Goddess made of gold or silver. The pile itself is balanced precariously on the head of a devotee during the procession to the temple. These devotees lead a life of celibacy and abstain themselves from unholy behaviour during the entire festival season. The ghatam procession is taken out in the vicinity of each temple.

At the climax of this procession, an Anakatta is performed, which, it is believed, establishes a barrier to the evil and demonic forces and demons.