Bonalu Craft Fair Draws Strong Public Response in Hyderabad, Says Minister Ponnam Prabhakar

The traditional artisans’ fair being held as part of the Ashada Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad has been receiving an enthusiastic response from visitors, according to Telangana BC Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar .

Sharing an update on social media platform X, the minister said the exhibition at the HMDA Grounds in Khairatabad has attracted large numbers of people, particularly those looking to purchase traditional items associated with the Bonalu festival. He encouraged citizens to make use of the Sunday holiday and visit the fair with their families.

Prabhakar noted that products such as earthen pots, baskets, clay utensils and other traditional festival-related items are witnessing strong demand from buyers. The fair, which features 60 stalls and is being conducted over a 15-day period , showcases a wide range of products crafted by artisans from various Backward Classes (BC) communities.

The minister said the Telangana government, under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka , is committed to strengthening traditional occupations and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans. By providing dedicated exhibition spaces, the government is enabling craftsmen to market and sell their products directly to consumers, eliminating intermediaries and improving earnings.

According to Prabhakar, such initiatives not only help preserve Telangana’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage but also provide economic support to thousands of artisan families dependent on traditional occupations.

The exhibition offers a diverse collection of handmade and heritage products, including terracotta items, clayware, Medara bamboo baskets, jute products, Gadwal sarees, Pochampally Ikat handloom textiles, Nirmal toys, silver filigree artworks, Warangal durries, Pembarthi brass handicrafts, organic food products, and eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols .

Emphasising the importance of supporting local artisans, the minister urged residents to purchase locally made products and contribute to the welfare of artisan families. He said fairs of this nature play a vital role in preserving Telangana’s traditional crafts while connecting artisans directly with consumers and wider markets.