The Hindu : Karnataka News : Dattamala from October 13

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Karnataka

Karnataka

Dattamala from October 13

Correspondent

40,000 devotees likely to participate in the programme
Government urged to take up repairs to shrine

CHIKMAGALUR: The Sangh Parivar has announced that the annual Dattamala programme will be conducted from October 13 to 19.

Speaking to presspersons here on Monday, Mahendra Kumar, coordinator of the State unit of Bajrang Dal, said special pujas and “homa” would be conducted at Datta Peetha on the concluding day.

Stating that the Government should make use of the opportunity provided by a High Court order to change the codification to find a solution to the Datta Peetha-Bababudangiri controversy, he said programmes would be taken up to make it a pilgrimage centre for Hindus.

Taking exception to a statement made by the Deputy Commissioner of Chikmagalur that the shrine, a portion of which had collapsed due to heavy rain, could not be repaired before the Dattamala programme, he urged the Government to commence repairs immediately.

Replying to a question, Mr. Kumar said the district administration had defiled the “Datta padukas” by keeping them in the treasury. He said they should have been kept in a place where people could offer prayers.

Mr. Kumar said 120 meetings had been held in various parts of the State and committees had been formed to ensure that the programme was conducted in a systematic manner.

He said about 40,000 devotees were expected to participate in it.

Shivashankar, secretary of the district unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was present.

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