Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Mar 13: On account of Shivaratri festival, devotees stayed awake the entire Thursday night chanting the Shivapanchakshari hymn hailing Lord Shiva at Dharmasthala. On Friday morning, the car festival was celebrated.

Various religious procedures and prayers were offered to Lord Manjunathaswamy of Dharmasthala under the supervision of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade. Right from 6 pm on Thursday till early morning on Friday, devotees offered holy baths to the Lord. After the special puja and offerings, car festival was held on Friday morning.

Bhajans and prayers were sung at night and people also chanted verses praising the Lord.

Janapada artistes playing conch, gong, trumpet, and others who presented Veeragase, Karaga, Dollu Kunita and other kinds of folk dances kept the people engaged throughout the night. Thousands of people who came from different parts of the state and the country felt a sense of fulfilment after spending the night that was dedicated to Lord Shiva.