What is RANGAM in Bonalu? What is its importance?

Rangam symbolizes the divine connection between the goddess and her devotees, especially women. It is not just a spectacle but a deeply devotional moment where people seek blessings, answers, and reassurance from the deity. The woman performing Rangam prepares with prayers, fasting, and other spiritual practices before stepping into the role of the goddess’s medium. Her trance-like state and spontaneous speech are considered sacred, with her every word being taken seriously by the attending devotees.

1. Sacred Ritual of Divine Possession:

Rangam is one of the most spiritually significant rituals in the Bonalu festival, which is widely celebrated in Telangana, especially in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is a trance based ritual where a woman, often believed to be spiritually pure and chosen by the goddess, enters a divine state of possession. During this ritual, the woman is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Mahankali and delivers oracles or predictions. These oracles are believed to reflect the goddess’s will, warnings, and blessings for the community.

2. Symbol of Devotion and Faith:

Devotees attending Rangam hold deep reverence for the ritual. They believe that through the possessed woman, the goddess directly communicates with them, offering guidance on various issues ranging from personal problems to agricultural prosperity. The woman’s trance-like state and spontaneous movements are seen as manifestations of the goddess’s power. People gather in large numbers to witness Rangam, pray for solutions, and seek divine blessings for health, wealth, and protection from evil forces.

3. Ritual Performed Before Ghatam Procession:

Rangam is traditionally held in the early hours of the morning, usually on the day before the final procession of the Ghatam (sacred pot representing the goddess). The ritual is performed in temple courtyards or open grounds, and it marks a spiritual climax before the grand finale of Bonalu. It serves as a preparation for the goddess’s symbolic departure and blessing, giving the devotees hope and assurance for the year ahead.

4. Cultural and Traditional Continuity:

Rangam is not only a religious experience but also a cultural expression passed down through generations. It reflects the ancient Shakti (divine feminine) traditions and Telangana’s folk spirituality. The women who perform Rangam often come from families that have followed the tradition for decades, ensuring the continuity of this sacred practice. It is a moment of intense emotional and spiritual energy, uniting the community in shared belief and celebration of the goddess’s power.

In summary, Rangam is a deeply revered ritual in the Bonalu festival, signifying divine intervention, communal faith, and the enduring power of Telangana’s folk religious traditions.