<p class="title">Thousands of devotees thronged the Sirsi Marikamba temple in the wee hours of Wednesday, for the Marikamba Jathre that is held once in two years. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Crying out "Marikamba ge Jai", devotees carrying areca flower garlands, were immersed in religious fervor for the goddess. </p>.<p class="bodytext">This famous festival draws people from all over Karnataka who come for a glimpse of the goddess decked in all her splendour, and the festivities which are unique to this place of pilgrimage. The chariot ride that the deity takes during the Jathre is the major event. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Devotees stood by the roadside, perched atop nearby houses and shops, all awaiting the Shobhayathre, during which they offer the deity fruit and coins, and prostrate before her. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Lambani women stand in groups and sing folk songs (sobane pada) traditionally sung at marriages in the region. The chariot festivities begin at the temple and culminate at the Bidakibail. </p>
<p class="title">Thousands of devotees thronged the Sirsi Marikamba temple in the wee hours of Wednesday, for the Marikamba Jathre that is held once in two years. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Crying out "Marikamba ge Jai", devotees carrying areca flower garlands, were immersed in religious fervor for the goddess. </p>.<p class="bodytext">This famous festival draws people from all over Karnataka who come for a glimpse of the goddess decked in all her splendour, and the festivities which are unique to this place of pilgrimage. The chariot ride that the deity takes during the Jathre is the major event. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Devotees stood by the roadside, perched atop nearby houses and shops, all awaiting the Shobhayathre, during which they offer the deity fruit and coins, and prostrate before her. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Lambani women stand in groups and sing folk songs (sobane pada) traditionally sung at marriages in the region. The chariot festivities begin at the temple and culminate at the Bidakibail. </p>
