Hariprasad Nandalike

Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (MS)

Karkala, Mar 13: Nandalike Siri Jatre comes up with a unique kind of publicity every year. This year the theme is that of mask.

People throughout the globe are sick of the coronavirus pandemic. Public has fear as well as anxiety about this disease. In the wake of this scenario, Nandalike Siri Jatre is asking people to be alert though publicity of masks.

Earlier, Nandalike Siri Jatre had given emphasis on things like postcards, leaf of mango tree, umbrella, sackcloth and milestones. In addition to masks, milestones will also be used in publicity this year. On one side of the mask 'Nandalike Siri Jatre' is written while on the other side is the date of the fair. This special mask will be worn by all volunteers offering their services at the holy place. Already 1,000 masks are ready.

As last year's Siri Jatre was cancelled due to coronavirus, devotees in large numbers are expected this year. Team of volunteers is making all preparations for the convenience of devotees. A team of nearly 1,000 volunteers is already formed for maintaining discipline during the festivity. Covid protocol will be strictly followed during this year's celebration. In order to prevent devotees from crowding, cultural teams will perform in many areas.

Nandalike Siri fair means festivity for the whole taluk of Karkala. The annual fair of Nandalike Mahalingeshwara temple is known in various names as Adi Alade, Siri Kshetra, Siri Moola Kshetra and Nalku Sthana Nandalike. The brain behind the unique form of publicity every year is Nandalike Chavadi Aramane Nandalike Suhas Hegde. The milestones of this year will attract the passengers throughout the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. In addition, the milestones will be displayed in Dharmasthala, Charmady, Ujire, Bantwal, Udupi, Kundapur and Malnad region.

The Siri Jatre is going to be held on March 28. The programme of releasing milestones was held on Thursday, March 11. Chief priest of the temple Harish Tantri, manager Raviraj Bhat, Udaya Kumar and Arun Bhandary were present on the occasion.

N Suhas Hegde of Nandalike Chavadi Aramane says, "Mask is prepared for this year's publicity in order to make the public aware of health. Siri Jatre will take place under strict Covid protocol. In addition to masks, milestones also will give publicity to Siri Jatre."

Harish Tantri, chief priest of the temple says, "As the Jatre did not take place last year, more devotees are expected this year. The team of volunteers is striving hard to provide all facilities to the devotees."

Raviraj Bhat, manager of the temple says, "In order to avoid devotees crowding at one spot, various teams will display cultural activities at different spots."