Fireworks Light up Puttur Sky on the Occasion of 'Bedi'
Pics: Arun Uppinangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)
Puttur, Apr 18: 'Puttur Bedi,' a show of fireworks, which is traditionally held on the last day of the week-long annual car festival of ancient Mahatobhara Malaingeshwara Temple here, was held on the night of Friday April 17. Children and elders alike, who had been eagerly awaiting this grand celebration, watched in awe and elation, as colourful firecrackers carved out designs in the sky and made different noises.
The car festival of the temple, one of the oldest in the region, believed to have been built in the twelfth century, was given initiation on April 1 with 'Gone Muhoorta'. The festival started on April 10, with the ‘Dhwajarohana’ ritual. Since a week, processions of the Lord’s idol were taken around. After the 'Devarabali' ritual in the morning on Friday, the beautifully decorated chariot of the Lord was pulled at night. This was followed by 'Puttur Bedi'.
The Bangarkatte Savari, ritual of seeing off the Sri Dandanayaka-Ullati Daivas followed by night Utsav, were also held on Friday night. The policemen had made elaborate security arrangements in view of the sensitive situation arising out of ensuing election. Plain clothed policemen had also been pressed into service during the festival to nab thieves and mischief mongers, and vehicular traffic was diverted in the evening. KSRTC and private buses had been arranged to various places from the town to facilitate devotees to reach their homes. No untoward incidents were reported.
About a lac people took part in the festival. Puttur Sri Satyasai Seva Samiti distributed, as has been customary since many years, buttermilk to the devotees who thronged the festival. It is estimated, that the Samiti distributed about 25,000 litres of buttermilk, right from the evening of Thursday April 16 through Friday. The Samiti, which has been following this practice since the last 34 years, collects buttermilk from its members, adds certain ingredients to it, before distributing 'Masala Majjige' to the people.