Tourism dept explores novel ways to accommodate devotees

Preparations are on in full swing for the Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsava scheduled to be held at Shravanabelagola, Hassan district, in February 2018.

The Tourism department is making all efforts to publish the accommodation facility available on its website so as to enable devotees to make advance bookings online.

The Mahotsava Committee is leaving no stone unturned to make it a success. With lakhs of devotees expected to attend the event, accommodation is being provided at houses in the surrounding villages under the Rural Tourism Development Programme.

The places identified for the purposes are Shravanabelagola in Channarayapatna taluk, Bekka, Vaddarahalli, Kabbalu, Baralu, and Kantharajapura villages under six Grama Panchayats. Both traditional and modern houses have been identified.

Survey undertaken

The first phase of a survey has been completed and 250 house owners have come forward to extend hospitality. Approximately one thousand people can be provided accommodation on a given day in villages as of now.

Houses should have separate rooms with basic amenities like electricity, fans, drinking water, toilet and others. The government would fix the rent for the service. The rent will be directly remitted to the bank account of the owners. If the devotees face problems understanding the language, a guide will be appointed.

Lakhs of devotees from across the country and also from across the globe are expected to attend the mahotsava scheduled to be spread over 30 days. They would also be introduced to the culinary delights, art and culture of the district.

Tourism Department Deputy Director U Jitendranath told DH that 250 residents are ready to host the devotees.

“The rent of the houses would be decided after a Tourism consultant makes a spot inspection. The availability of the houses would be published on the department website to enable tourists to make advance booking online. The house owners should abide by the conditions of the department,” he said.

Jitendranath said that five to six persons can stay in each house. “There are also huge houses that can accommodate 100 people. The house owners are expected to whitewash their houses. As Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt is making food arrangements for everybody, those extending hospitality will not have this responsibility. Those willing to extend hospitality may register on 08172-268862,” he said.

Moreover, the accommodation arrangement will help reduce the costs involved in setting up temporary sheds and tents in the satellite towns, he said.

Rural games

There are also plans to conduct rural games during the festival. Kabaddi, lagori, slush race and others will be held where both locals and devotees can participate. The winners will be presented with prizes, Jitendranath said.