Mysuru: The 38th Chaturmasya Vratham of Udupi Sri Bhandarakeri Mutt Pontiff Sri Vidyeshatheertha Swamiji began yesterday at Bhandarakeri Mutt near Ramaswamy Circle here.

The Pontiff was brought in a procession from Varaha Gate of Mysore Palace to the Mutt accompanied by chandemela, keelukunitha, nadaswara and members of Mahila Bhajana Mandalis.  The Chaturmasya Vratham will be held till Sept. 6 at Venkatachala Dhama during which the Seer will conduct Harikathamruthasara at Vittala Mandira in Krishnamurthypuram from 4.30 pm to 5.15 pm and also conduct discourses at various localities of the city from 6 pm every day.

Various programmes such as Vidwat goshti, devotional songs, Mahila goshti, Bharatanatyam, Harikathe, Yakshagana, Karnatak classical music, fancy dress competition for kids and other events have been organised.

District Co-operative Union President H.V. Rajeev, industrialists M.K. Puranik and Madhusudan Padaki, Chaturmasya Committee President Krishnakumar Achar, Vijaya Vittala Educational Institutions Hon. Secretary R. Vasudev Bhat, Sadvidya Institutions Secretary M.D. Gopinath and others were present.