Melukote: With Ramanuja Jayantyutsava scheduled to take place on May 5, religious activities prior to the Jayantyutsava began at the temple town of Melukote in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district today with the performance of rituals. Rathotsava will take place on May 4, a day ahead of the grand Jayantyutsava (May 5).

From tomorrow, Vahanotsava of several forms, Abhisheka and Belli Pallakki (Silver Palanquin) Utsava will be held on all days. Bangara Pallakki (Gold Palanquin) Utsava will take place on May 3. Schedule of religious activities are as follows:

Apr. 26        :         Mantapa Vahanotsava

Apr. 27        :         Hamsa Vahanotsava

Apr. 28        :         Suryamandala Vahanotsava

Apr. 29        :         Chandramandala Vahanotsava

Apr. 30        :         Ashwa Vahanotsava

May 1          :         Govindarajamudi Utsava (7 pm)

May 2          :         Ashwa Vahanotsava

May 3          :         Aane Vahanotsava

May 4          :         Maharathotsava  (10  am)

May 5          :         Ramanuja Jayantyutosava (starting from 7 am), which will conclude with the performance of Cheluvanarayanaswamy Dashavatara Utsava at 11.30 pm.

Above mentioned ‘Vahanotsavas’ will be held at 8 am every day, followed by Ramanuja Abhisheka at 10 am. The ten-day festival generally attracts thousands of devotees every year.