Mysuru, 6 Oct 

The annual Chamundeshwari Rathotsava was celebrated with grandeur atop Chamundi Hills on Monday, drawing thousands of devotees from across the state.

Members of the Mysuru royal family, including Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, participated in the event.

All key rituals, Mantapotsava, Bhavanotsava, and Hamsavahanotsava, were performed during the auspicious Vrishchika Lagna between 9.36am and 9.58am. Yaduveer Wadiyar initiated the Rathotsava by performing traditional poojas and a havan, before ceremoniously pulling the flower-adorned chariot carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

The chariot procession around the temple was marked by a 21-gun salute from the Armed Police, colourful fireworks, and vibrant folk performances including dollu kunitha, nagari, and tamate.

Devotees enthusiastically participated in the ritual known as Hannu Javanatti, pulling the chariot for over an hour while chanting "Uge Uge Chamundeshwari (Hail Goddess Chamundeshwari)".

Post-procession, the temple was opened for darshan, allowing devotees to seek blessings from the deity.

The city police made elaborate security and crowd management arrangements. Special buses operated from early morning to ferry devotees to Chamundi Hills. Plainclothes police were deployed to prevent theft and chain-snatching during the celebrations.