Mon Jul 14 07:48:03 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE**
**Goddess Warns of Pandemic, Fires at Bonalu Festival in Secunderabad**
**Hyderabad, July 14, 2025** – During the Rangam ritual, a traditional soothsaying ceremony held as part of the Bonalu festival at the Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad, the oracle, believed to be possessed by the goddess Mahakali, delivered a stern warning to devotees.
The oracle, Matangi Swarnalatha, initially expressed happiness with the offerings made in the goddess’s honor. However, her tone shifted dramatically as she cautioned of a possible pandemic and the danger of fires in the near future. “In the coming days, there will be a pandemic. You should be careful. Follow the rules. There will also be fire danger. I am warning you now,” she declared.
The oracle also stressed that the goddess’s patience was wearing thin, demanding greater devotion and sacrifice, symbolically represented by the phrase “Show me blood.” While acknowledging the proper conduct of pujas and offerings, the goddess suggested that it was not enough to appease her.
Despite the warnings, the oracle offered some hope regarding the upcoming agricultural season, predicting good rains and harvests. “Yes, this year the rains will be good. The crops will be good. There will be sweets and festivals,” she said.
Telangana’s Minister for BC Welfare and Civil Supplies, Ponnam Prabhakar, responded to the oracle’s pronouncements, reiterating the state government’s commitment to the Bonalu tradition. He expressed optimism about the forecast for good rains and harvests and assured that the state would respond responsibly, fulfilling all rituals prescribed by shastra under the supervision of the Endowments Department.
The Bonalu festival is an important cultural event in Telangana, and the Rangam ritual is a highly anticipated part of the celebrations, believed to provide insight and guidance for the year ahead.
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