That was a long walk on the slope, from the entrance gate of State Art Gallery in Madhapur to reach the venue, and the rain gods, who had threatened to disrupt the painting event by noted artist Ramana Reddy amidst live music and dance on the advent of Bonalu, calmed down in the nick of time, for the performances to take centre stage.
The little delay however gave enough space to take a fulfilling glimpse at the photography exhibition held on the first floor.
With time, the numbers of the art enthusiasts were on the rise and the aura was fitting too, as the photographs, all collected over a span of years were an apt representation of the vigour and candour that bonds people during Bonalu.
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Right from the painting on the faces to the journey of the devotees towards Golconda and many parts of the old city with the drum-beats besides the aggression of the women with the pots having the neem leaves on their heads and the tongues stretching out, the snaps, a majority by Chandrasekhar Singh, did capture it all.
As each of the chief guests P. Ramulu, Rasamayi Balakishan and B. Venkatesham arrived against the backdrop of those tentative clouds in their cars, the Bonalu dancers did their best to give a spirited welcome, with the truest of regional colours to liven up a rather hazy evening.
Meanwhile, the installation art on display by Ramana Reddy got all its due attention. The form, prevalent in public and private spaces, with the Bonalu flavour to it, under the skies was a visual and aural treat to the crowds.
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With the canvas having outlines of the Potharaju done beforehand and with the sprinkling of the paints, turmeric, kumkum and several materials used to add the festive flavour to the form, the artist responded to the timeliness of the challenge in sync with the performers well.
Ramana shares a special connect with the festival as he feels it blurs barriers. “This is one of the most interactive festivals in the Telangana region and its celebration being widespread serves as an ice-breaker between many religions and communities. The Potharaju segment of the same plays a responsible role in these times where we witness atrocities against women and for me, as an artist too, it’s a broad aspect to explore,” says the winner of the State Best sculptor award 2015. The presence of personalities like Daivagna Sharma, S Vani Devi and Sravanthi Juluri only added to the artistic aura of the event.