An artwork portraying the addiction of smartphones in the Art Exhibition at Suttur Srikshetra, Mysuru.
Credit: DH Photo
Mysuru: The annual Suttur Jathra Mahotsava, a major spiritual and cultural congregation, will be held at Suttur Srikshetra in Nanjangud taluk, from January 15 to 20, with the JSS Mahavidyapeetha, expecting over 25 lakh devotees during the six-day event.
Addressing a press meet, JSS Mahavidyapeetha secretaries S P Manjunath and S Shivakumara Swamy and Jathra in-charge Shivashankar and Subanna said, “Elaborate arrangements have been made for the jathra, including a massive Dasoha (free mass feeding), a large-scale agricultural exhibition, religious rituals and cultural programmes. The jathra will be inaugurated on January 15. while the Rathotsava is scheduled for January 17, and Teppotsava will be held on January 19”.
‘Grafting’ innovation
One of the major attractions of the jatra is the 15-acre Krishi Mela, designed as both an exhibition and a learning space. At its heart is the one-acre ‘Krishi Brahmanda’, a model farm that showcases innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
With 2026 being observed as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the fair highlights the growing role of women in next-generation agriculture. Senior scientist and Head of ICAR JSS KVK B N Gnanesh said, “The visitors can see practical demonstrations such as a tomato plant grafted onto a disease-resistant sundekayi (turkey berry) rootstock — a technique that extends the plant’s productive life to nearly 2 years, far beyond the usual 4 to 5 months.”
The mela will also feature Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged crops like Nanjangud Rasabale, Mysore betel leaf and Erangere brinjal, along with intercropping models of sugarcane and pulses, hybrid millets and a colourful display of 30-40 varieties of flowers.
Health awareness
While last year’s exhibition focused on heart health, this year the spotlight is on kidney health. The pavilion will offer information on renal diseases, prevention and treatment. Stalls on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybercrime awareness, along with agriculture-related mobile apps developed by JC Engineering College students, will add a contemporary dimension to the fair.
Kitchen for lakhs
Nothing reflects the scale of the Jathra more than the Dasoha. To feed the massive gathering, the Mutt has stocked 1,000 quintals of rice, 250 quintals of tur dal, 1,600 tins of refined oil, 12 tonnes of jaggery, 600 kg of Nandini ghee and many other items.
According to the food committee manager Sarpabhushana, three meals will be served, including sweets like laddu and Mysuru Pak. A team of 150 cooks will run the kitchen round the clock, with separate serving counters for men and women, and volunteers will take care of the food distribution.
Permanent raft for Teppotsava
Marking a first, a permanent motor-driven floating structure has been built for the Teppotsava, this year. The raft, adorned with 16 Nandis and 8 artistically designed pillars, will be illuminated specially for the festival.
More than fair
Other highlights include, a free mass marriage ceremony on January 16, competitions such as ragi grinding for women, rangoli and Sobane Pada singing, traditional rural games like Kesarugadde race, and a national-level Nada Kusti tournament, titles such as ‘Suttur Kesari’ and ‘Suttur Kumara’ will be given. A new category, ‘Suttur Kishora’, has been introduced for talent from Nanjangud taluk.