Chikkamagaluru: With the district administration acting stern by imposing restrictions on the rituals of spreading green ‘chadars’ and smearing of sandal paste on the tombs at the shrines at Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudan Swamy Dargah, Fakirs resorted to staging a boycott during the annual Sandal Urs, on Thursday.

The event began with a procession of Fakirs and Muslim, led by Shah Khadri Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin from Attigundi towards Bababudangiri. Most devotees were seen carrying offerings to the tomb, but were disappointed when Shah Khadri’s request to the officials to allow them to perform traditional rituals was denied permission on the basis of an Apex Court order that allowed only Mujawars to perform the rituals.
The irked Fakirs staged a protest in front of the cave. Later, the district administration conducted the Urs.

DC S?P Shadakshariswamy, SP K Santhosh Babu, AC R Snehal, tahsildars Shivanna and Bhageerathamma (Muzrai) were present.