55-feet tall chariot to debut in famed Suttur Jatre

The main attraction of the annual Adi Jagadguru Shivaratri Shivayogi Jatra Mahotsava, popular as Suttur Jatre (fair), scheduled to be held at Suttur, in Nanjangud taluk of Mysuru district, from January 13 to 18, would be the new car (ratha), which would be used for the maharathothsava on January 15.

Besides, the Knowledge Resource Centre for Science and Technology (KRCST), established to popularise science and technology among students and rural people, would be launched during the jathre. Mauritius vice president Barlen Vyapoory will also be part of the celebrations.

Secretary of JSS Mahavidyapeetha S P Manjunath said, the 55-feet tall new ratha of Shivaratrishwara temple, weighing over 45 tonne and built at a cost of Rs 2 crore over two years, would be dedicated by Governor Vajubhai R Vala. "Upholding the tradition of the mutt, the ratha has been built with security features such as hydrulic brakes and a provision to steer its direction of movement. It was a long-pending demand of the devotees as the old ratha was a bit small. Sculpotor Basavaraja S Badiger, along with his two sons and students, has built the ratha. The wood has been procured from Dandeli forests. Experts in various aspects have been roped in for various components of the ratha," he said.

"The Mahavidyapeetha has established the Knowledge Resource Centre for Science and Technology with state government and Central funds. It will act as a nodal centre for 26 science centres, proposed by the state government in all the districts. It aims to promote interest in learning and creativity in science and technology through 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' concept. This will help students understand the concepts of science and inculcate scientific spirit. It will highlight the research and development scenario of the nation, particularly the initiatives and achievements of premier organisation like Isro, DAE and DRDO, Manjunath said.

1,000-year-old mutt

He said, the jatra is being held under the guidance of seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, the 24th pontiff of the 1,000-year-old mutt. "Dignatraries from all parts of the nation, including Union ministers and spiritual leaders, would be part of the celebrations. Rathotsava, Teppotsava, Kondotsava, Lakshadeepotsava and other programmes will be held. Besides, competition and performance in bhajans, painting, kite flying, rangoli, folk songs, wrestling, etc will be held. Krishi Mela and agriculture exhibition will be held to promote positive practices. Stress will be on cashless economy. Students of various JSS institutions will display more than 200 science exhibits. As many as 15 plays will be staged by professional and ameture theatre groups," he said.

"In mass marriages so far, 2,600 couples have tied the knot. Earlier, it used to be inter-caste, now even inter-religious couples are tying the knot in the mass marriage. This year around 200 couples have already registered. Thali and dress for the couple is be provided by the mutt," he said.