Though the government has lifted the restrictions and given permission to hold car festivals, Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hill Temple Authority and the district administration have decided to celebrate Mahashivaratri in a simple manner, as per tradition, in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
According to the directions of the technical advisory committee, a decision is taken to conduct all festivities, including the Rathotsava. But, only people of villages under Mahadeshwara Hill Grama Panchayat will be allowed to participate in the festival.
Mahashivaratri will be celebrated at MM Hill from March 10 to 14. A meeting, chaired by District In-charge Minister S Suresh Kumar, a month ago, directed the officials to make arrangements for Shivaratri and
Ugadi festivals.
However, a meeting presided over by Deputy Commissioner M R Ravi recently, decided to limit it to the Grama Panchayat level and only locals are allowed into the temple during the Jatra.
Speaking to DH, Ravi said, “Entry to the temple is banned for devotees from other districts. However, the officials on duty and dignitaries will be allowed. There will be no permission either for overnight stay or cooking on the temple premises and surrounding areas. The devotees, who walk to the temple, padayatra, should cooperate”.
Salur mutt’s Shanthamallikarjuna Swami, Additional Superintendent of Police Anitha Haddannanavar, Assistant Commissioner Girish Dilip Badole, DySP Nagaraju and Hanur tahsildar G H Nagaraju were present in the meeting.