Hasanamba fest will be held as per tradition: Revanna

District in-charge Minister H D Revanna said, the Hasanamba jatra mahotsava would be held as per the traditions that were followed for decades. The temple will open on November 1.

Speaking to reporters, here, on Thursday, Revanna refused to react to a section of the people raising doubts over the ‘miracles’ associated with the temple and the deity. “The district administration will ensure that the festival is conducted as per traditions. The deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, assistant commissioner and other officials will monitor the arrangements,” he said.

Entry pass

Speaking about the passes issued to the devotees to enter the temple, Revanna said, “Only dignitaries like chief minister, Union ministers, sitting and former legislators, zilla and taluk panchayat members and elected representatives of local bodies will be issued passes.”

“Media persons are banned from entering into the sanctum sanctorum. However, journalists with passes can enter the Rajagopura, but will not be allowed to take photos and videos. Similarly, priests are not allowed to use mobile phones inside the sanctum sanctorum,” he said.

To a specific query, Revanna said, “There are no plans now to shift the houses of priests and the same priests will continue to serve the temple during the festival.”

“Like in previous years, special tickets for darshan will be priced at Rs 1,000 and Rs 300. The district administration will ensure that the devotees do not face any problem,” he said.

For the first time, the Tourism department will rope in a helicopter to shower flower petals on the temple on the first day of the fair. Heli-tourism will be in place on all the seven days, he said.