Hassan: With the Hasanamba and Siddeshwara Swamy Jatra Mahotsava approaching, the jewellery of Goddess Hasanamba, kept in the district treasury, was transported to the temple in a decorated vehicle under tight security on Monday.Every year, after the festival concludes and the doors of the sanctum sanctorum are closed, the goddess’s jewellery is collected and securely stored in the district treasury in the presence of the DC and the muzrai tahsildar.As this year’s festival will be held from Oct 29 to Nov 11, the jewellery was taken to the temple following special prayers.Jagadish Gangannavar, administrative officer of the temple, Hassan tahsildar Geetha, chief priest Nagaraj and other officials and priests performed special pujas to the box containing the jewellery at the district treasury. The jewellery was then transported to the temple in a decorated vehicle amid tight security.Devotees gathered along both sides of the roads and prayed to Goddess Hasanamba.The doors of the sanctum sanctorum, which have remained closed for a year, will be ceremonially opened after 12 noon on Oct 29. Following the opening, the inner sanctum will be cleaned and whitewashed before the goddess is adorned with the jewellery.Mysuru-style illuminationOn festival preparations, district minister Shivalingegowda said work would gather pace after the rains subsided. Mysuru-style electrical illumination would be provided and shortcomings rectified. He rejected demands for separate darshan for local devotees using Aadhaar cards, saying the existing system would continue.He said he would remain in Hassan for eight to 10 more days. About 400 wrestlers, 150 volleyball players and 200 kabaddi players were expected to participate in festival competitions. Exhibitions featuring bulls, dogs, rams and goats would also be organised.Responding to questions about MLA HP Swaroop’s displeasure over the arrangements, Shivalingegowda said Swaroop would preside over the valedictory function and had been invited to participate. He said he had personally called Swaroop two or three times to join the preparations.
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