02/08/2026
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar along with his family offering Bonam to the Goddess Sri Ujjaini Mahankali in Secunderabad on Sunday as part of Ashadamasam Bonam celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, Sajjanar stated that the Ashadam Bonalu festival holds a rich historical significance in the city. He noted that the celebrations are currently underway across the city in a peaceful, devotional, and joyous atmosphere.
He highlighted that after the peaceful conclusion of the Golconda and Balkampet Bonalu festivities, the celebrations at the Sri Ujjaini Mahankali and Lal Darwaza temples are now being conducted on a grand scale.
He emphasized that the Hyderabad City Police Department has put in place robust security measures with the safety and protection of devotees as the utmost priority. Around 2,500 police personnel have been deployed to oversee bandobast for the Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu celebrations.
Taking into account the annually increasing turnout of devotees, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based crowd management and surveillance system has been introduced at the Mahankali Temple for the first time.
Through this advanced AI system, CCTV cameras installed around the temple premises are integrated with Facial Recognition Technology. This enables the immediate identification and tracking of habitual offenders, chain-snatchers, and pickpockets, allowing operational teams to respond swiftly.
Furthermore, the system accurately monitors incoming and outgoing footfall through queue management. The density of crowds in different sections and queue lines inside the temple is continuously analyzed via threshold mapping. In the event of overcrowding beyond permissible limits, proactive measures will be triggered to prevent stampedes or any untoward incidents.
The Police department is working in close coordination with the Endowments Department, GHMC, and other government agencies to ensure smooth conduct. The Commissioner appealed to all devotees to seek the blessings of the Goddess in a peaceful manner and extend their complete cooperation to the police force for the successful completion of the festival.
