# Potharaju, whip-wielding guardian, leads Telangana’s Bonalu

2026-08-08T03:07:39+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

As Bonalu, Telangana's most celebrated folk festival, sweeps through Hyderabad, the figure of Potharaju commands attention. Bare-bodied, smeared in turmeric, a red dhoti, brass bells and a whip, he embodies the guardian brother of the seven village goddesses, including Mahankali and Pochamma. According to Siasat.com, folklore says Potharaju was born to protect the Sapta Kanyakas after goddess Parvati gave birth to them. The festival itself dates to 1813, when residents prayed to Goddess Mahankali to end a plague and promised annual offerings. Today, lakhs of devotees watch Potharaju lead processions, cracking his whip to ward off evil as women carry sacred pots and enter trance-like states.

## Coverage

- siasat.com <https://www.siasat.com/potharaju-leads-bonalu-fervour-with-whip-bells-and-devotion-3520669/>

Tags: Bonalu, folk festival, Hyderabad, Potharaju, Telangana, tradition
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