Udupi: Devotees Throng Historical ‘Bappanad Ratotsav’
News and Pics by Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN) 

Udupi, Apr 17: The ‘Bappanad Ratotsav’, an annual event at the historical Sri Durga Parameshwari temple, Bappanad, Mulky, near here, was held with pomp and gaiety on Tuesday April 14 and Wednesday April 15.

Thousands of devotees from the coastal district regardless of caste, creed, and religion, attended the festivities at the famous temple. 

The idol of Sri Bhagavati was carried in a grand procession from Sasihitlu on Tuesday April 14 morning and brought to the Sri Durga Parameshwari temple and offered worship by priests of both temples.

This is an age old tradition that is followed even now with the objective of promoting communal harmony and peaceful co-existence.   

Various religious celebrations and Vedic rituals were also conducted at the temple. An attractive display of fireworks was also held on Wednesday night.   
Bappanad Ratotsav has a rich history, having been incorporated in the manuscripts by Tulunadu rulers.  In ancient times, people would take several days to reach Bappanad by foot and other traditional means of transport to pay obeisance to the temple deity.