Urging the Union government to drop the ‘Sethu Samudram’ project, Sri Rameshwaram Ramasethu Rakshana Vedike will conduct Ramasethu Shila Rathayatra in the district between November 18 to 20.

Addressing press persons here on Monday, Vishwa Hindu Parishat Regional Organising Secretary Keshava Hegade said, though the Rathayatra is being held across the country from November 20 to December 10, the yatra will be launched from Irpu Rameshwaram temple two days in advance, as part of Huttari Habba in Kodagu.

The Rathayatra feature the painting of Ramasethu, the scene of vanaras building Ramsethu, Sri Rama worshipping Shivalingam and a piece of stone from the Ramasethu. Each vehicle heralding these items  will cover 2-3 districts and pass across various taluk centres and important towns.

Ramasethu Raksha Yajna will be conducted in each taluk centre. There will be a registration drive of ‘Rama rakshakas’ for taking an oath for protecting Ramasethu. Nine rathas will launch their campaign simultaneously from nine centres, Mr Hegade informed.

The Rathayatra is being organised as either Union government or Tamil Nadu government have not given any reaction towards Ramasethu even after collecting 36 lakh signatures against the project and conducting a religious conference of 5,000 seers in Delhi, he said.

Sri Rameshwaram Ramasethu Rakshana Vedike District Convener Chi Na Somesh said the rathayatra will begin at 6 am on November 18 at Irpu, that will pass through Srimangala, Gonikoppalu, Virajpet, Ammathi, Siddapur, Chettalli, Suntikoppa, Kushalnagara and Kudige to rest that day at Somwarpet.

The ratha will pass through Aiguru, Madapur, Hattihole, Makkanduru, Madikeri, Murnadu, Hakatturu, Hodduru, Napoklu, Kakkabe and Ayyangeri and will rest at Bhagamandala on November 19.

On the last day, i.e., Nov 20, the Rathayatra will cover Tannimani, Chettimani, Cherambane, Bettageri, Madenadu  and will conclude at Sampaje. VHP District President K S Devaiah, Samiti office bearers M M Bopaiah and Appaiah were present.