Mysuru: Thousands of devotees not only from across the state but also from other parts of the country thronged the “Dakshina Kashi” Nanjangud to take part in the famous Nanjangud Dodda Jathra Mahotsav here on Friday. This year due to by-election for Nanjangud and Gundlupet Assembly constituencies which is scheduled on April 9, many political leaders from Congress and BJP who are camping in Nanjangud and Gundlupet spared time to take part in the fair.

On Friday, the temple town of Nanjangud came alive on the occasion of Panchamaha Rathothsava or Dodda Jathre. The car festival commenced at 6.30 am after Deputy Commissioner D Randeep giving his nod chanting the name of Lord Srikanteshwara. The devotees pulled the ropes to set the chariots rolling. The cynosure of all eyes was the majestic main chariot Gauthama Ratha. At the Meena Lagna, the priest signalled the procession of the chariots to commence. As per the tradition, the Gauthama Ratha carrying Lord Srikanteshwara was the first to move followed by chariots with the idols of Parvathi, Subramanya and Chandikeshwara. The five rathas were taken around Car Street which is nearly 1.5 km surrounding the temple. Panaka, buttermilk, sweets and food were also served to the devotees.

Due to overnight rain, one of the wheels of nearly 100-tonne Gauthama Ratha got stuck in the mud near Gauri Ghatta Street. Later, with the help of two cranes and after nearly an hour, the ratha was lifted and its journey completed. Due to this, the chariot which usually has to reach the starting point at 8 am, made it at 9.30 am. Later, in the very same spot, Parvathi chariot was also jammed also was lifted using crane and completed its journey. Apart from this, the event went of peacefully without any untoward incidents.

Venkatesh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mysuru district who is the administrator of the temple said, “The annual Dodda Jathre went of peacefully. We had made all necessary arrangements including security, makeshift health centre and toilet arrangements, changing rooms on the banks of the river Kabini and other necessary arrangements for the smooth conduction of the event where thousands of devotees from across the country attended in large numbers.”

Due to by-election in Nanjangud and Gundlupet, politicians including MLAs from Congress and BJP who are here for campaigning, participated in the annual Dodda Jathre.

Insurance to staff members:

For the first time, the Muzrai department had provided insurance cover to 112 staff members who took part in the Jathra Mahotsav.