Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Sep 5: The Jakribettu Public Ganesh Festival Committee has announced that the 21st annual public Ganesh Festival will take place from September 7 to 11. This announcement was made by the committee's honorary president and former minister B Ramanath Rai.

The Ganesh Festival in Bantwal has evolved into a significant event that fosters unity among people of different castes, religions, and communities, transforming it into a celebrated "Bantwal Festival". This year's festival promises to be exceptionally meaningful and grand, with the goal of bringing people together under one banner.

The five-day event will feature a variety of religious and cultural activities, celebrating harmony and festivity. Daily activities will include food offerings, special kumkumarchane services conducted by women, and competitions for children, women, and men. Each day will be enriched with religious discourses and cultural performances, with an expected attendance of over 500,000 devotees.

The festival will commence on Saturday, September 7, and conclude on Wednesday, September 11.

Notable attendees will include Shri Gurudevananda Swamiji of Shri Kshetra Odiyoor, Shri Brahmananda Saraswati Swamiji of Shri Kshetra Kanyadi, Shri Vikhyatanda Swamiji of Balyottu Guru Krupa Seva Ashram, Shri Mohandas Paramahamsa Swamiji of Shri Dham Manil Kshetra, and Fr Robert D'Souza of Allipade Church.

Other dignitaries expected to attend include Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader, health minister Dinesh Gundurao, MLC Ivan D'Souza, and M N Rajendra Kumar, president of the South Canara District Central Cooperative Bank.

Cultural events will feature dance performances, Tulu plays, and traditional music by renowned local artistes, including Yakshagana. On the fifth day, a grand procession will be held, featuring various art groups and tableaux.