Mysuru: Devotees in large numbers thronged various Hanuman temples across the city to offer special pujas on the occasion of Hanuma Jayanti this morning. People were seen standing in queues bracing light showers.

The priests at the temples performed abhisheka and decorated the idols with Tulasi mala, garland made out of betel leaves and also a garland of ‘vada’.  This apart, many temple managements have also organised cultural programmes.

A grand procession of Lord Hanuman organised by Sri Anjaneyaswamy Temple Trust, Gangothri Layout, as part of 27th Hanuma Jayanthotsava celebrations, was held from Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple to Hanuman Temple at   Gangothri Layout.

The procession was inaugurated by Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji by offering puja to Nandi Dhwaja.

The procession passed through Ashoka Road, Irwin Road, New Sayyaji Rao Road, Narayana Shastri Road, Chamaraja Double Road, ZP Office, K.G. Koppal, Kantharaj Urs Road, Saraswathipuram 5th Cross, Sahukar Chennaiah Road, before culminating at the Temple.

Various folk troupes including Nandi Kamba, Beesu Kamsaale, Veeragaase, Dollu Kunitha, Keelu Kudure, Maragaalu Kunitha, Puja Kunitha, Garudi Gombe Mela, Kahale, Thamate, Nagari Mela, Jade Kolaata, Karaga Nritya, Karaga Kolaata, Kamsaale, Koravanji Kolaata, Hanneradu Seragina Kunitha, Donne Varase, Bijali Nritya, Benki Barate, and others took part in the procession which also featured statue of Lord Hanuman.

Later, ‘Annasantharpane,’ (mass feeding) was held and it was inaugurated by Adichunchanagiri Mutt Mysuru Branch Seer Sri Somanathananda Swamiji. RSS Karnataka State Dakshina Pranthya Sarsanghachalak M. Venkatram was the chief guest. Corporator Nandeesh Preetham, Temple Trust President Nagalakshmi Shankarlinge Gowda and others were present.

Apart from the Maruti Temple at Gangothri, Hanuma Jayanti celebrations were held at Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy Temple on Irwin Road, Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple,  Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashrama, Hanuman Temple located at KHB complex in Kuvempunagar.