Hassan: The doors of the historic Hasanamba temple here will be opened ceremonially at noon on Thursday, district minister KM Shivalingegowda said.The minister told reporters the district administration had completed preparations, including drinking water, toilets, medical facilities, German tents and barricades, to accommodate the expected influx of devotees.Nirmalanandanatha swami of Adichunchanagiri Math and Siddalinga Swami of Siddaganga Math, Tumakuru, will inaugurate the festival, he stated.Following the Mysuru Dasara model, the celebrations will feature illuminated streets, musical nights, cultural programmes and sporting events. Wrestling competitions for men and women will be held at the old exhibition grounds, with more than 450 wrestlers expected to participate. Winners will receive silver maces. Kabaddi, volleyball, cattle exhibitions, rangoli competitions, dog shows and kolata performances are planned from Oct 30.Chief minister DK Shivakumar, former CM Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries are expected to visit. Special darshan tickets priced at Rs 300 and Rs 1,000 will continue. The minister said priests had agreed to minimise closures of the sanctum, except during naivedya offerings even which will also be kept for a shorter duration.Rejecting demands for separate darshan for local residents, Shivalingegowda said the festival attracted devotees from across the state and appealed to everyone to cooperate. He also said helicopter rides and parasailing would not be organised this year.MP Shreyas M Patel said expenditure details would be disclosed after the festival.IGP (southern range) M B Boralingaiah said 2,000 police personnel would work in three shifts from Oct 30 to Nov 10 to manage security, traffic, crowd and VIP movement. Two SPs would supervise arrangements, with another to be deployed if crowds surge. Separate queues and facilities have been arranged for ticket holders, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, he stated.
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