Grand Shobha Yatra procession taken out in Nagamangala

MANDYA: A grand Shobha Yatra was taken out in Nagamangala on Friday, which had witnessed communal clashes on September 11 during the Ganesha idol immersion procession. Heavy police security was deployed all along the Shobha Yatra route including in front of the mosque in the town.

Adichunchanagiri Math seer Nirmalananda Swami flagged off the Shobha Yatra from the Kote Vidya Ganapathi temple and the entire town wore a saffron look. The Kote Ganapathi Seva Samithi had installed a Ganesha idol which is immersed on the 48th day. The practice has been continuing for the last 72 years.

The idols of Gowri-Ganesha were taken out in decorated tractors through the main streets, including the mosque where the clash had broken out last month. A KSRP vehicle was stationed in front of the mosque to prevent any trouble. Several folk troupes took part in the Shobha Yatra even as youngsters danced to DJ music.

Hindu activists and the police got into an argument over the participation of Puneeth Kerehalli in the Shobha Yatra. After much back and forth, the police finally allowed him to participate.