Datta Jayanti celebrations begin in Chikkamagaluru

Devotees from across the state swarmed to Chikkamagaluru for the Datta Jayanthi celebration, scheduled to be held from 22 to December 26 at Dattataraya Peetha here.

Several Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal leaders, including former MLA C.T. Ravi were seen gathered at Kamadhenu Ganapathi temple to offer homage and adorn the Dattamala. On Sunday, over 4,000 devotees participated in the first day’s ritual of datta maladharana.

The district administration has made adequate arrangements for the 10-day Datta Jayanthi celebrations beginning today. Anusuya Jayanti will be held on December 24. A grand Shobha Yatra will be taken out in Chikkamagaluru city on December 25, and Dattapaduke darshan will be held on December 26.

Meanwhile the district administration has also prohibited entry at tourist spots in the region from December 22 to 26. Security has been tightened.

Meanwhile, Former MLA C. T. Ravi expressed concerns over a proposal made by Congress MLA Abbayya in the Assembly to rename Mysore Airport after Tipu Sultan.

Ravi highlighted Tipu Sultan’s historical role in fighting the British alongside the contentious issues of Hindu massacres. He advocated for naming the airport after Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, citing the latter’s significant contributions to institutions like KRS Dam, Mysore Bank, Mysore My Sugar Company, Mysore Paper Mill, Mysore Silk Factory, and Mysore University.