Devotees throng Chamundi Hill for Rathotsava

Thousands of devotees thronged the Chamundi Hill even before sunrise, to participate in the Chamundeshwari Rathotsava here, on Tuesday.

The roads were decorated with colourful rangolis as part of the car festival. The Chamundeshwari Rathotsava is held on the fourth day, after Vijayadashami. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar launched the festival by pulling the chariot at the auspicious Vrishchika Lagna, with the people chanting Jai Chamundeshwari. A troupe of musicians rendered traditional instrumental music.

Earlier, the procession of the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari was decorated with colourful flowers and gem-studded jewellery and placed on the chariot. The devotees participated in the festival by pulling the chariot. The chariot was decorated with colourful flags, buntings and flowers and taken around the temple.

The devotees were throwing flowers, fruits and javana on the moving chariot, fulfilling their vow. People had thronged both the sides of the roads and on buildings to have a glimpse of the deity and to offer obeisance. Floral tributes were paid to the idol through paragliding. Karnataka Vadya Vrunda (Police band) performed on the occasion.

The rituals were performed under the guidance of priest Shashishekar Dixit. Police had made elaborate arrangements for the festival.

The Teppotsava, atop the Hill, will take place at 7 pm on October 25, Temple authorities stated.