JOIN USThe sale of sheep was in full swing in Kadur, for 'Bana Seve', the sacrificial ritual, as part of the Antaraghatte Durgamba Devi annual temple fair. Sheeps are sacrificed as an offering to the deity, during 'Ammana Habba', devoted to the presiding deity - Durgamba Devi, popularly referred to as 'Anataraghattamma', held in great awe and reverence by the people of Kadur.
On the weekly shandy on Monday, vendors from Honnali, Davanagere, Ranibennur, Hospet and Chitradurga, had gathered at APMC premises in Kadur to sell their sheep. A single sheep was priced from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. The buyers were seen bargaining with the sheep vendors. On Monday, more than 500 sheep were sold in Kadur APMC alone and the sale went on till evening. About 800 sheep were sold last year. Those who could not afford sheep purchased hens. The people also brought spices during the shandy.
'Bana Seve', the sacrifice of sheep, is observed four days prior to the grand chariot procession to be held on January 26. A large number of devotees sacrifice sheep in their homes. On the day of the chariot festival, the devotees, especially those from the shepherd community travel to Antaraghatta on bullock carts as per an age-old tradition.
Basic facilities
The Muzrai Department has arranged for basic facilities during the temple fest. Temporary toilets have been built. Queue system has been made for the 'darshanam' of the Goddess.
Antaraghatte Durgamba Devi temple fair comes as a prelude to various other festivals of Grama Devathas in the plane region. Durgamba Devi temple fest is followed by a series of car festivals in the region.