By The News Observer Desk,
SIRSI, Uttara Kannada: The renowned Marikamba Jatra Mahotsava at the historic Marikamba Temple — one of Karnataka’s most revered Shakti Peethas — began on a wave of deep devotion on Wednesday.
https://youtu.be/3R2SlMsafYc
Early on Wednesday morning, the idol of Goddess Marikamba was taken in a majestic Rathotsava procession from the main temple to the Gaddige near Sirsi bus stand. Thousands of devotees lined the route, chanting hymns and seeking the Goddess’s blessings as the grand chariot moved through the city.
Cultural troupes, traditional music bands, and folk performance groups joined the procession, heightening the festive spirit. Pilgrims from every corner of Karnataka and several other states poured into Sirsi, turning the town into a sea of devotion. To ensure safety and smooth crowd management, the police department has put in place tight security arrangements.
The biennial Marikamba Jatra, held once every two years, will run for nine days and conclude on March 4. Devotees will have darshan of the Goddess at the Gaddige throughout the period, with special poojas performed daily.
The temple administration has made comprehensive arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival. Free annasantarpane (community meals) is being served to all devotees. Sirsi MLA Bheemanna Naik said this year’s turnout is expected to be significantly higher, with more than 20 lakh devotees likely to visit.
To ease traffic congestion, vehicle parking has been organised in the outskirts of the city. A unique and long-standing tradition of the Sirsi Marikamba Jatra continued on Wednesday when an ash gourd (boodu kumbalakayi) was offered as symbolic sacrifice in front of the Gaddige, instead of animal sacrifice.
For enhanced security and surveillance, CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations across the festival area. The entire town of Sirsi is now immersed in festive joy. With eight more days of celebrations remaining, devotees are expected to arrive in large groups to seek the blessings of Goddess Marikamba.
Videography and Reporting by Saikiran Babrekar
