Bengaluru Karaga celebrations begin today

BENGALURU: The countdown has begun for the oldest and widely celebrating Karaga Mahotsava in Bengaluru. The festival has its roots in the epic Mahabharat. The Dharmaraya temple committee is gearing up for worshipping Draupadi, a form of Goddess Shakti, and is engaged in preparations amid the Lok Sabha elections.

The Karaga festival will be held on April 23. The Election Commission has kept close watch on the festival celebration and only some political leaders and prominent people are likely to be allowed inside the temple for darshan.

The Karaga Shaktyotsava is celebrated annually in the Chaithra month on the full moon between March and April. The BBMP and the government have provided all kinds of facilities for Karaga utsav. This time, the Karaga will be conducted apolitically as usual by the Karaga management committee with all traditional grandeur.

The Election Commission is monitoring the programme because the Election Model Code of Conduct for Lok Sabha elections is in force. Lakhs of devotees are expected to gather for the festival, and besides, many political leaders are likely to visit this year, like every year.

Strict instruction has been given to the temple authorities that no political leader will be allowed to speak in public places or felicitate (honour) them. The Election Commission has informed the Karaga committee of action in case of any violation.

Satish, chairman of the Karaga organising committee, said they are prepared for a grand celebration of the festival this year. “The Karaga has a history of about 800 years and it has been celebrated since the time of Nada Prabhu Kempegowda. It is expected that lakhs of devotees from across the state and abroad will participate in the festival. The annual Karaga began today and will continue for the next nine days”.

Further, Satish said, “The Karaga utsava will be launched with flag hoisting, and various pujas will be performed for the goddess at the temple. The Karaga Mahotsava will be held on the ninth day, April 23, at 12 am. People eagerly wait to watch the proceedings. This time, drinking water has also been arranged for the devotees as the temperature is also high”.