By The News Observer Desk,
Yellapur: The town came alive with colour, devotion and celebration on Wednesday as the much-awaited, state-renowned Grama Devi Jatra was formally inaugurated in grand style. Held once every three years, the festival draws thousands of devotees, and this year’s opening was no exception.
Amid chanting of hymns and the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, the presiding deities — Goddess Kalamma and Goddess Durgamma — were ceremoniously brought out of the temple. The divine procession moved through the town’s main streets, offering devotees a rare and cherished darshan. People lined the roads, many with folded hands and tearful eyes, as the beautifully adorned idols passed by.
The highlight of the procession was the spiritually charged moment when the two goddesses came face to face along the main route — a sight that devotees greeted with loud cheers and chants of praise. The air echoed with “Jai Devi” as faith and festivity blended seamlessly.
Following the procession, the deities were installed at a grandly decorated pavilion set up at the Devi Maidan, where they now preside over the celebrations. Earlier in the afternoon, traditional rituals and age-old customs were meticulously performed before the ceremonial procession began, reflecting the deep-rooted heritage of the region.
What truly stood out was the unity on display. People from all communities, cutting across caste, religion and social backgrounds, joined the celebrations, reinforcing the jatra’s spirit of harmony and collective devotion.
With devotees arriving from various parts of the state, the local administration and police department have put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Adequate basic facilities, security measures and timely information services have been arranged to assist visitors throughout the event.
MLA Shivaram Hebbar also visited the venue, offered special prayers to the goddesses, and prayed for the smooth conduct of the jatra and the well-being of all devotees.
The Grama Devis will remain seated at the jatra grounds, and devotees will be able to seek their blessings daily for the next nine days starting Thursday. As Yellapur celebrates its most cherished festival, faith, tradition and festivity once again take centre stage.
Videography and Reporting by Saikiran Babrekar
