Telangana Ministers Lead 'No Mask' Act At Bonalu Festival

Over 30,000 devotees have been celebrating the Bonalu festival in Telangana, police said, even as experts warn against large gatherings as the country limps out of a deadly Covid second wave.

Worrying visuals of hundreds of people, most without masks and social distancing, have emerged from Hyderabad, where the Telangana government is celebrating the Bonalu festival. Among the attendees were state ministers as well - without masks, or masks pulled down below the chin - and no Covid protocols in sight. Over 30,000 devotees have been celebrating the festival in the state, police said, even as experts warn against large gatherings as the country limps out of a deadly second wave. Ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav and Indrakaran Reddy were seen offering what is called Bangaru bonam or golden bonam to Goddess Jagadambika at Golconda to the accompaniment of dancers, drums and music. Social distancing went for a toss as the venue that was seen brimming with people in visuals. The festival was also celebrated at Ujjaini Mahakali temple at Secunderabad and will continue every Sunday till August 8.