Oracle Matangi Swarnalatha coming out from Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad, after making predictions during the Rangam, a ritual held as part of the second day annual Bonalu festivities that commenced on Monday (July 14, 2025)
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G
The traditional Rangam or soothsayer ritual, one of the most awaited events during the Bonalu festival, was held with fervent devotion at the Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad on Monday (July 14, 2025). This year’s oracle voice struck a deeply stirring and cautionary tone. Beginning with blessings and praise for the people’s devotion, the possessed woman conveyed the goddess’s happiness over the offerings made in her honour. Yet, her words soon turned to warning.
The tradition believed to embody direct communication between the goddess Mahakali and her devotees, a woman — known as Vishwamatta or Shakti — in divine trance made predictions and emotional appeals for the year ahead.
“To all my people, to all my children, I am very happy. I have been blessed with wealth for a long time but every year, you play games with me. I have been saying this for seven years, you do not listen,” the oracle declared.
The temple priest, representing the voice of the devotees, sought forgiveness and asked for guidance. The exchange that followed was emotionally charged, as the goddess demanded a greater degree of devotion and sacrifice, symbolised through the repeated phrase, “Show me blood.”
While acknowledging that pujas and offerings had been conducted well, the oracle stressed that it was not enough. “I carried you in my womb, I protected you. but my patience is wearing thin,” she said.
Among the moments of the ceremony was a prophecy foretelling 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 said.
In response to the priest’s enquiry about rainfall and harvests, traditionally foretold during the Rangam, the oracle offered some optimism. “Yes, this year the rains will be good. The crops will be good. There will be sweets and festivals,” she said, before returning to a more somber tone. “This year, it is my turn to stand. Show me blood. If you do not, I will not stay quiet” she warned.
The ritual concluded with the priest bowing in prayer, seeking peace and reassurance. “Don’t show me blood. Bless me. Next year, everything will be fine. With your blessings, we will celebrate this festival.”
Shortly after the Rangam, Telangana’s Minister for BC Welfare and Civil Supplies, Ponnam Prabhakar, addressed the media and reiterated the State government’s commitment to the Bonalu tradition. Referring to the prophecy of good rains and harvests, he said, “It is a good sign for farmers and for people across the State. For everyone to live in happiness, the goddess has given her blessings.”
He added that all rituals prescribed by shastra would be performed under official supervision through the Endowments Department. “As instructed by the goddess through the prophecy, the State will respond with full responsibility,” he said.
Published – July 14, 2025 01:18 pm IST