Hunsur: The 30th Hanumanthotsava, organised by the Hanumanthotsava Committee and Anjanadri Trust, was celebrated with immense enthusiasm and the cheers of thousands of devotees yesterday in Hunsur.

The festivities began at 11 am at Ranganatha Layout, where MLA G.D. Harish Gowda, former MLA H.P. Manjunath, former MP Pratap Simha, A.C. Vijayakumar, Srirama Sene State President Pramod Mutalik, Nataraj Swamiji of Gavadgere Gurulinga Jangama Mutt, Samba Sadashiva Swamiji of Ukkinkanthe Mutt in Madalli, Kalaswami of Hoskoppalu Mutt in Hassan district and other dignitaries showered flower petals at the Nandi Kamba.

They also performed a ceremonial puja for the Anjaneya Swamy idol before flagging off the grand procession. Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar arrived later but actively participated in the procession till the conclusion alongside former MP Pratap Simha.

A visual spectacle

The Hanumanthotsava procession was a visual spectacle, featuring vibrant festival idols of deities like Dattatreya, Shivalinga, Kodandarama, and Panchaloha idols of Rama- Lakshmana-Sita, sourced from 13 different Garadi houses. These were organised by Janajagruthi Vedike, the Merchants’ Association on JLB Road, Sriram Mandira, Kalkunike and the Hanumanthotsava Committee.

The procession also showcased captivating folk art performances adding to the vibrancy. Traditional musical ensembles lent a rhythmic backdrop to the event.

The procession which began at Ranganatha Layout passed through key landmarks, including Kalkunike Circle, Shabari Circle, the old bridge, Constitution Circle, S.J. Road, Kote Circle, JLB Road, Lakshmi Vilas Circle, Jabbar Road, Akshay Bhandar, the new bus stand, and Kalpataru Circle before  culminating at the Anjaneya Swamy Temple by 6 pm.

Devotees enthusiastically chanted ‘Jai Sri Ram’ and danced to devotional songs blaring from loudspeakers. A group of young women, adorned in saffron scarves, added vibrancy to the celebrations with their spirited dance performances.

Community gesture

Youth served the devotees light refreshments, fruits and panaka at various points. In a gesture of harmony and brotherhood, Muslim community members on Bazaar Road distributed buttermilk, bananas, and sweets to devotees.

As part of the celebrations, traders along the procession route closed their shops in solidarity with the event. Over 10,000 participants, adorned in saffron scarves and carrying saffron flags, added vibrancy to the occasion. The streets were decked with saffron-coloured flags and buntings, transforming the entire town into a  sea of saffron.

To ensure security, Superintendent of Police N. Vishnuvardhan led a contingent of 1,500 Police personnel, maintaining a tight vigil to prevent any untoward incidents.