Hyderabad: The oracle Swarnalata, who performed the Rangam ritual at the century-old Ujjaini Mahankali Temple on the concluding day of the two-day annual Bonalu Jatra on Mon-day, painted a rosy picture for the state. “Future of Telangana is bangaram (golden),” she remarked, promising to protect people from the dreaded cholera.

Answering questions on the future of the state, outbreak of cholera and her opinion on the pujas performed for her, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s welfare and developmental schemes, monsoon, etc by priests inside the sanctum sanctorum, the oracle, standing atop a wet clay pot with a tambora in hand, said she would protect her people.

“I will protect my children from all diseases. But you have to worship me regularly,” she remarked. Asked about the future of Telangana, she said with a smile that it would be bangaram. Unlike in the past, when Rangam used to be held between 8.30 am and 9 am, this time it was delayed and began at 10.28 am, lasting for about half an hour.

The oracle said she was happy with the CM performing the Chandi Yagam, and pujas in temples, adding there would be copious rains this monsoon and the state would be full of greenery. “I bless people of the state to live happily,” she added.

Later, a portrait of Mahankali was taken out in a procession led by temple potharajus. With the conclusion of the festival in Secunderabad, the Mahankali Jatra will be held in Hyderabad next Sunday. Animal husbandry minister T. Srinivas Yadav, endowment officials and others were present.