Somashekar gheraoed, seeking permission for Doddajatre in N’gud

Members of Srikanteshwara Bhakta Mandali picketed District In-charge Minister S T Somashekar, during his visit to Nanjangud town, on Friday, seeking permission to conduct Srikanteshwara Gauthama Rathotsava, as planned, on March 26.

It may be mentioned that Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri had issued orders recently, cancelling Doddajatre at Srikanteshwara temple in Nanjangud.

The members explained that the DC has given permission to conduct the festival in a symbolic manner, in a small chariot on the day. The festival is being cancelled for the second consecutive year, hurting religious sentiments of the people, they said.

They suggested that the district administration can restrict the entry of devotees from other places, on the lines of Shivaratri Mahotsava at Male Mahadeshwara Hill Temple in Chamarajanagar, but permit Gauthama Rathotsava.

The members of the Bhakta Mandali can be subject to Covid test and allowed to pull the chariot. We are ready, if policemen and Covid warriors pull the chariot, they said.

Somashekar explained that the Covid guidelines are in force across the state and it is mandatory to follow them. However, he assured to discuss the issue with Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar and seek special permission.

He visited the temple and interacted with the priests, enquiring if it is possible to pull the chariot with 500 people.

Nagachandra Dikshit of the temple, said, “The other small chariots are ready for the jatra. I have told the minister, that in case special permission is given, 500 people are sufficient to pull the chariot.”

Meanwhile, MLA B Harshavardhan has also written a letter to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, seeking permission for Srikanteshwara Doddjatra in Nanjangud on March 26.