Mysuru: The six-day famed Suttur Jathra Mahotsava conducted by Suttur Mutt began at Suttur in Nanjangud taluk  this morning.

The Jathra Mahotsava is celebrated every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of the institution.

Inaugurating the ‘Samskrutika Mela’, actor Shiva Rajkumar recalled his association with JSS.

Stating that he had visited the JSS campus several times when his daughter was doing her Post-Graduate Medical Degree, he said that he had relished ‘Annadasoha’.

Recalling the help extended by Suttur Mutt when his mother (late Parvathamma Rajkumar) founded ‘Shakti Dhama’ a home for shelterless and destitute women in Mysuru, Shiva Rajkumar said the Suttur Jathra gives a pleasant and religious  experience to everyone.

Stating that the Suttur Mutt was an excellent location that is ideal for film shooting, the actor said that he was visiting the Jathra as a humble human being and not as an actor.

He wished that great actors and cricketers like Sanchin Tendulkar emerge from Suttur Mutt in the coming days.

The Jathra, which concludes on Jan. 18, features a variety of religious programmes including the famous car festival, a slew of events such as dance and drama and bhajan contests, seminars and workshops for farmers that provide a forum for  stakeholders to showcase the latest developments inagricultural field, a Krishi Mela, cattle fair, educational expo, mass marriage, Lakshadeepothsava etc.

The main attraction this year will be the new ‘Ratha’ (car) to be used in Maharathotsava to take place on Jan. 15.

The new Ratha, is nearly 55 ft. tall and weighs almost 50 tonnes. It was recently completed at a cost of nearly Rs. 2 crore.

Many political and spiritual leaders from across the State and country will participate in the six-day Jathra.

Shiva Rajkumar drew a loud applause from the large crowd and bowing to the demand of the cheering crowd, he danced to the tune of a song from the ‘Tagaru’ film and rendered a dialogue from his another film ‘Mufti’.

MLA and former Minister S. Suresh Kumar, who spoke after inaugurating the ‘Sohane Pada’ contest, said that Suttur was a very important Holy shrine, where peace and social harmony always co-exist. Regretting the attempts being made to divide the society, Suresh Kumar said that the Suttur Mutt was wholly committed to the welfare and well-being of the entire society.

Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) Chairperson Mallige Veeresh inaugurated the rangoli contest. Suttur Mutt Junior Pontiff Jayarajendra Swamiji, Basava Marulasidda Swamiji of Basava Kendra, Shivamogga, Bhanukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Jain Mutt, Kambadahalli and others Seers graced the occasion.

MLAs H.P. Manjunath and M.P. Ravindra, film producer S.A. Chinnegowda, former Chief Secretary B.S. Patil, retired IAS Officer Somasekhar, JSS Institutions Secretary Manjunath and others were present.