Mysuru: The annual car festival of Goddess Chamundeshwari at Chamundi Hills was held with pomp and gaiety here on Tuesday October 19. Titular king Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar took part in the proceedings.
Dressed immaculately, Yaduveer Wadiyar drew everyone’s attention. Before the procession began, he offered special pooja to the Goddess. His wife Trishika Kumari Wadiyar and Rajamate Pramoda Devi Wadiyar participated in the festival rituals.
Chief priest of Chamundeshwari Temple Dr. Shashishekar Dikshit performed the rituals before the rathotsava. Traditional activities began at the temple very early. Mantapotsava, Hamsavahana and Simhavahanotsava were held.
Every year, thousands of devotees throng Chamundi Hills during Chamundi Rathotsava but this year, due to the pandemic situation, it was a low-key affair. Entry to Chamundi Hills between 4.00 am and 10.00 am was barred. Even private vehicles were banned.
There was a tight police security for the rathotsava which saw only a handful of devotees and villagers take part in it. Theppotsava will be held on Thursday (October 21) and there will be restrictions for this festival as well.