Private vehicles banned from entering Chamundi Hill on Ashada Fridays and Vardhanti Day

Mysuru: Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy has directed officials to begin preparations for the upcoming Sri Chamundeshwari Vardhanti and Ashada Fridays, both of which draw thousands of devotees to Chamundi Hill each year.

Chairing a preparatory meeting at the D. Devaraj Urs Hall in the Zilla Panchayat Office yesterday, the DC reviewed arrangements for the observance of Ashada Fridays on June 27, July 4, July 11 and July 18 and the Vardhanti (birthday) of Goddess Chamundeshwari on July 17.

In a move to regulate traffic and ensure safety, the District Administration has decided to restrict private vehicles from entering Chamundi Hill on Ashada Fridays and Vardhanti Day. Devotees will have to park their vehicles at the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel’s designated area, from where public transport services will ferry them to the hilltop.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed the Police Department to enforce necessary security and traffic measures. The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has been tasked with providing clean drinking water and maintaining sanitation during the festivities.

Chamundeshwari Electricity

Supply Corporation (CESC) has been directed to ensure all streetlights along the 1,000 steps are in working condition and to illuminate all temples on the hill.

General darshan will be free on Ashada Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while entry darshan tickets will be priced at Rs. 50 and special darshan at Rs. 300.

The meeting was attended by City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif, DCP M. Mutturaju, Chamundeshwari Development Authority Secretary M.J. Roopa and officials from various departments.