Potharaju, the cynosure of all eyes during Bonalu

Hyderabad: 'Potharaju' is considered as the brother of the Hindu Goddess Mahakali and takes on the role of protecting women carrying bonam. Potharaju is the centre of attraction and adds the much-needed colour and flavour to the Bonalu festival.

Poturaju is always potbellied, robust and imposing. Donning colourful paint and armed with a whip, portraying a fierce demeanour, anointed with turmeric on his body and vermilion on his forehead, he is the figure that no one can miss. Potharaju is synonymous with Bonalu festivities.

Speaking about the role of a Potharaju, Teja Mudiraj, a Pothuraju, says, "According to tradition, Haldi and Kumkum is to be applied to the body as a pleasing gesture for Kalimatha after thanksgiving processions.

The consumption of alcohol is a big no-no. The tradition is to apply natural colours, offering prayers, fasting and safeguarding the sisters who are carrying the vermilion, ghatams with shigam. The major role of Pothraju is being a responsible brother to all the sisters carrying bonam and safeguarding them." He adds, "One finds Potharajus consuming alcohol these days. Old-timers never did."

Along with the changing trends, pothurajus often prefer to play different avatars like Kali, Maisamma, Yellamma and other powerful roles. "Pothurajus are blind devotees of Goddess Kali. We invoke Goddess Mahankali into our bodies and this tradition is being followed since the past 700 years.

Since 11 years, I have been donning 'Pothuraju' role in Secunderabad and Golconda Bonalu with a lot of devotion. We fast the whole day dancing to drum beats, but are never affected because of Kali's grace," says Pothuraju Venu, who is employed with the South Central Railway.

Great demand

Potharajus are in great demand during the Bonalu festivities and people from different localities invite them. Moving away from tradition, the modern-day Potharaju uses paint to colour themselves to look bright with a little precautions like applying primer and lotions to prevent skin from damage.

Each makeup costs around Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000. Makeup artists charge not less than Rs 1,000. During the season, Pothuraju spends close to Rs 50,000 for makeup for the whole month. Garlands, lemons, neem leaves, fruits, flowers and other offerings add on to the expenses. On an average, a Potharaju visits 15 colonies on call. They are paid, and the rates vary.

Potharajus to form union soon

Senior Pothurajus are planning to establish 'Pothuraju Union' by the next year. Though Telangana government planned to make it happen this year, due to some glitches, it did not work out. But, we believe it happens in the coming year says Pothurajus of Golconda and Secunderabad.