Daijiworld Media Network - Byndoor (SP)

Byndoor, Mar 29: The annual car festival of Goddess Mookambika at Kollur was held in an atmosphere of devotional fervour and fanfare on Thursday March 28.

Various rituals connected with the annual event were held under the guidance of chief priest and Tantry of the temple, Dr K Ramachandra Adiga. A large number of devotees partook the Prasadam served in the afternoon. In the evening, thousands of devotees joined together in pulling the chariot carrying the goddess.

The festivities connected with the festival had begun on March 21 with the customary hoisting of the flag. The locals had elaborately decorated their houses, shops and other establishments with electrical lights, festoons, Rangoli etc. The last ritual of the car festival, ceremonial bath of the goddess, will take place on Friday night.

Executive officer of the temple, H Halappa, managed the temple affairs under the guidance of deputy commissioner, Hephsiba Rani Korlapati. President of the managing committee of the temple, Harish Kumar M Shetty, assistant executive officer, H Krishnamurthy, priests and other temple staff worked hard for the success of the event.

Police led by Kundapur deputy superintendent of police, B P Dinesh Kumar and circle inspector, Parameshwar R Gunaga, oversaw security arrangements. CCTV cameras were installed in strategic places. Special cultural programmes were presented for eight days by troupes which came from inside the state and outside.