Add ₹350 More for Free Shipping

Festival guide · Ashada Jatara

Bonalu Incense & pooja guide

Bonalu is Telangana's festival of the mother goddess, Mahankali, Yellamma, Pochamma and her other forms. Women carry the bonam, a decorated pot of rice cooked with milk and jaggery, to the temple, accompanied by drums, Pothuraju dancers and the Rangam prophecy.

Charcoal-freeShips across IndiaFree shipping above ₹35048h dispatch

Quick answer

Which incense is best for Bonalu?

Rose, Kesar Chandan and Bakhoor are classic choices for Bonalu. The bonam is carried with a lamp on top, and homes and temples are filled with neem leaves, turmeric and fragrance. Rich, warm dhoop suits the festive Sunday puja at home before the procession.

Fragrances for Bonalu

When is Bonalu?

The month of Ashada, usually July–August, on Sundays through the month. Celebrations begin at Golconda and move to the Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad and the Lal Darwaza temple in the old city.

Incense and dhoop in the Bonalu ritual

The bonam is carried with a lamp on top, and homes and temples are filled with neem leaves, turmeric and fragrance. Rich, warm dhoop suits the festive Sunday puja at home before the procession.

Why these fragrances

  • Rose Bambooless Dhoop Sticks: A rich rose for the goddess.
  • Kesar Chandan Dhoop Sticks: Saffron and sandalwood for the home puja.
  • Arabian Bakhoor Luxury Dhoop Sticks: A warm, festive bakhoor for the Sunday celebrations.
  • Mogra Premium Incense Sticks: A fresh mogra for daily lighting through Ashada.

Gifting for Bonalu

Aadhya is a Hyderabad brand; Bonalu orders within the city travel the shortest distance from our Champapet workshop.

Orders leave our Hyderabad workshop within 48 hours and typically arrive in 3–5 working days in metro cities and 4–7 elsewhere, so order a week ahead of the festival.

Where Bonalu is celebrated

A simple Bonalu incense ritual

  1. 1Clean the home and decorate the doorway with neem leaves and turmeric.
  2. 2Light the lamp and a dhoop stick at home before setting out with the bonam.
  3. 3On return, keep a gentle fragrance burning for the family meal.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bonalu celebrated?

Bonalu is celebrated across Telangana, most famously in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, beginning at the Jagadambika temple in Golconda Fort.

What is offered during Bonalu?

Women offer the bonam, rice cooked with milk and jaggery in a decorated pot, along with turmeric, kumkum, neem leaves and a lamp.

Can I visit Aadhya's workshop in Hyderabad?

Yes, our Champapet workshop and store are open by appointment from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Message us on WhatsApp to book a visit.

Get ready for Bonalu

Tell us your city and how many people you're shopping for, and we'll suggest fragrances and pack sizes.