The Hindu : Karnataka News : Chikkalloor Jatra begins with Chandramandala prayer

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Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Chikkalloor Jatra begins with Chandramandala prayer

V. Paneesha

People offer their first farm produce at the utsav

An estimation of annual rainfall, crop quantity was made
Muslims, OBCs also take part in the five-day jatra

Chamarajanagar: Devotees of Saint Siddappaji arrived here from various parts of the State to witness a five-day Chikkalloor Jatra which began in accordance with Neelagara’s tradition on Tuesday at Chikkalloor in Kollegal taluk.

The jatra includes a prayer to the Chandramandala by the archak of Boppegowdanapura.

The Chandramandala is a 30-ft tall crown-like structure made out of bamboo and coconut fibres with flower decoration atop surrounded by glowing sticks.

The archak of Boppegowdanapura lit the fire after performing puja to the Chandramandala. Those who had taken vows offered their first agricultural produce such as foodgrains, fruits, butter and ghee to the Chandramandala.

An estimation of annual rainfall and crop quantity to be grown in the coming year was calculated and announced.

Muslims and those belonging to Other Backward Classes also participated in the jatra.

The second day is devoted to the “Doddavara seve” and “Hulivahanotsav” followed by “Mudi seve”, “Pankti seve” and “Muthurayara seve” on the third, the fourth and the fifth days respectively.

The jatra will also witness the sacrifice of animals (sheep and goats) in the name of saint Siddappaji and Manteswamy. Though animal sacrifice is a cognisable offence, the devotees say that it is an offering. The mutton is distributed among all devotees as “prasadam”.

Defending the practice, the devotees said that the jatra is an example of communal harmony as people irrespective of their caste and creed participate in it.

However, the Dharege Doddavara Samsthan Math has issued a public notice asking devotees not to perform animal sacrifice. The Government has also banned animal sacrifice during the jatra.

The Government has made arrangements for transportation and drinking water. Police security has also been arranged.

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