Indian badminton star PV Sindhu was seen performing Bonalu rituals at the Lal Darwaza Mahankali Temple in Hyderabad. Visuals circulating on social media show the double Olympic medalist dressed in traditional attire, carrying decorated pots as she made her way into the temple to take part in the festivities. For those unfamiliar, Bonalu is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and various parts of Telangana during the months of July and August. As part of the rituals, women carry decorated pots filled with cooked rice, milk, and jaggery to offer to Goddess Mahakali.
The origins of the festival reportedly trace back to a plague that struck Hyderabad, during which soldiers prayed to Goddess Ujjain Mahakali and vowed to build a temple in her honor if they returned safely. Upon their return, they fulfilled their promise, leading to the establishment of the Mahankali temple and the beginning of the Bonalu tradition. On the sporting front, PV Sindhu faced a surprising defeat against 17-year-old Unnati Hooda in the recent China Open 2025. While Sindhu acknowledged Hooda’s performance and praised her opponent’s effort, she also remarked that Hooda was “a bit lucky” during the match, according to a statement quoted by Sportstar.
She [Unnati] took a lead in the third game and maintained it. It was too late to recover,” PV Sindhu said after her unexpected loss at the China Open 2025. “verall, there were good rallies and she was lucky. Both ends had their challenges—it was hard to control the shuttle. She had some lucky points, especially in crucial moments when the shuttle hit the net cords.” Despite the setback, the 30-year-old Sindhu acknowledged Hooda’s rising potential and called it a positive development for Indian badminton. “She has done well for herself. She’s coming up [the ranks], and I wish her all the very best. Indian badminton is picking up and doing well, and many more girls like her are emerging. It’s a good sign.” Earlier this year, Sindhu also faced a first-round exit at the Japan Open, losing in the Round of 32.
