The 116th Onake Karaga Mahotsava was celebrated with grandeur in Bethamangala, Kolar, drawing thousands of devotees. The festival featured the mesmerising Onake Karaga performance and several traditional rituals, showcasing rich cultural heritage.
The historic and renowned 116th Karaga Mahotsava of Bethamangala was celebrated with great pomp and fervour, drawing thousands of devotees from across the region. The vibrant festivities reflected deep-rooted traditions and cultural richness, making the occasion a visual and spiritual spectacle for attendees.
A major highlight of the Vasantyutsava was the mesmerising ‘Onake Karaga’ performance, which captivated the audience. Karaga priest Krishnamurthy carried the Onake Karaga on his head and performed a perfectly synchronised dance to the rhythmic beats of the ‘tamate’ and other traditional musical instruments. His exceptional balance and skill left devotees in awe.
As part of the celebrations, the Pothalaraju Gavu Seve ritual was also conducted on Sunday night. The festival commenced with a ceremonial flag hoisting and featured a series of religious events, including Hasi Karaga, Deepotsava, and Hoovina Karaga, before culminating in the grand Vasantotsava.
Related Articles
Grand Chariot Festival of Sri Marulasiddeshwara Swamy
The grand chariot festival, known as Dodda Rathotsava, of Sri Marulasiddeshwara Swamy will be held on April 2 at 6 pm in Hemmanabetur village in the presence of a large gathering of devotees. The announcement was made by Gowdara Basavaraj, trustee of the temple’s administrative board.
According to the schedule, festivities will begin at 8 am on April 1 with the Kankana Dharane ritual. A small chariot festival, known as Sanna Rathotsava, will be conducted at 9 pm on the same day. The main Dodda Rathotsava will take place at 6 pm on April 2, followed by the Bellada Bandi Utsava, or jaggery cart festival, at 4 pm on April 3 and the Okali programme at 8 am on April 4.
Dodda Dyavara Jatre Celebrated in Vemagal
The Dodda Dyavara Jatre, dedicated to the primary deity of the Kuruba community, was celebrated with great devotion and splendour in Vemagal in Kolar taluk. Devotees gathered in large numbers to take part in the rituals and seek blessings.
The festival began on Sunday at temples including Sri Beereshwara, Sri Siddedevaru, Sri Bhatteshwara, Sri Belluru Bereshwara, and Sri Bidadishwaraswamy. A significant ritual involved inviting the ‘gurus’ along with the sacred bull, known as ‘Basava’.
In the evening, Ganga pooja and Navagraha pooja were performed. On Monday morning, various rituals took place, including offering ‘tani’ to the Naga devatas, or serpent deities, presenting clothes to family elders, Veeragarara pooje, and a Rudrabhisheka for the main deity.
