Hanuma Jayanti procession culminates peacefully in Hunsur

Hanuma Jayanti procession, which was cancelled on December 3, 2017, due to suspected communal violence, was taken out on its traditional route in Hunsur town on Saturday.

The procession was successful with thousands of devotees taking part in the event. MP Pratap Simha led the procession from Ranganatha Extension amid tight security. Hunsur MLA H P Manjunath, former MPs A H Vishwanath and Tejaswini Ramesh took part in the procession that commenced at 11 am.

A special puja was offered to the idol of Hanuma on the grounds in Ranganatha Extension before the procession. The procession was taken out on the route identified by the district administration. It passed through Kalkunike Circle, Hotel Shabari Prasad, Hotel Devi Prasad, Old Bridge, Rotary Circle, Old Bus Stand and New Bus Stand and concluded at Manjunatha temple in Manjunatha Extension.

The streets, shops, and houses on the procession route were decked up with colourful rangolis and flowers. More than 25 folk troupes performed a variety of arts such as nandi dwaja, Veeragase, Karadi majalu, Kamsale, and Dollu kunita.

The Police department had beefed up security across Hunsur town to maintain law and order. Nearly, 150 police personnel in civil clothes were on duty in the town while 50 CCTV cameras were installed to monitor the crowd.

Due to the congregation of devotees, the traffic on Hunsur-Madikeri Road came to a standstill for more than an hour.

The procession had been cancelled on December 3, as the police suspected that it may lead to communal violence. Later, the police had arrested MP Pratap Simha, who was bound for Hunsur in Bilikere village, as Prohibitory Orders were clamped in Hunsur town. The MP and others had declined to take out the procession on the route identified by the officials and sought to take it out on the traditional route. As Eid Milad celebration was celebrated on the previous day, the police had identified an alternative route for the Hanuma Jayanti procession.

On Saturday, the district administration had taken necessary measures to prevent any untoward incident. As per the suggestions of the citizens, guidelines were formed.

Devotees angry

The devotees expressed displeasure against MLA H P Manjunath and his supporters for distributing Hanuman Chalisa with his photograph. The devotees said that the politicians are misusing the event for reaping political benefits and this should not have happened. "We have gathered here to celebrate Hanuma Jayanti and all people, including political party leaders, should participate as common people," they said.

MP road show

Though road shows were banned, Pratap Simha and Tejaswini, along with the supporters, took out a procession in an autorickshaw.

Pratap Simha took severe exception to Hunsur Assistant Commissioner K Nitish Kumar and warned him not to restrict the devotees and media persons.

The MP warned the officer when the latter asked the people to move fast during the procession. The MP said, "We are not performing a marathon here. We cannot do it (procession) by running. You are not doing charity by allowing us to take out the procession. We are moving as per the guidelines. Don't make us lose our temper. If you do this, the situation will go worse. If you continue, I will squat on the road and things will go awry. Don't let this happen. Let us take out the procession," the MP told the officer.