BENGALURU: The historic Karaga witnessed a floral and illumination extravaganza and cultural blend as Chief Priest Gnanendra Swamy carried the Karaga and walked 26 kms from Wednesday Midnight. According to Chalakari Narayanaswamy, President of Bengaluru Karaga Committee, the grand flower decoration was completed inside as well as outside the premises of Dharmaraya Temple.
And for the first time, not just the temple and outside, but the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) head office, Dasappa Hospital, Avenue Road and the surrounding areas of Dharmaraya Temple have grand illuminations, and the event was held with much fanfare.
5,000 Veerakumaras followed the chief priest Gnanendra Swamy at around 1 am. The Karaga procession passed through the OTC main road and stopped at the Anjenaya Swamy temple. Then, the Ganapathi Puja was also held. The rally covered Siddanna Gulli, Avenue Road, City Market Fort on the southern side.
The procession then headed to Cotton Pet and entered Tawakkal Mastan Shah Dargah, where members of both the Muslim and Hindu communities came to witness the iconic greetings between religious leaders and pray for the well-being of community members. Muslim community members offered flowers and fruits to Gnanendra Swamy, carrying the Karaga, marking the strong social fabric of Bengaluru.
The procession also covered Kilari Road, Mysuru Bank Circle, Kumbarpet and Tigalarapet, and offered darshana to lakhs of devotees.
To ensure that no untoward incident takes place, the Central and West Division Police deployed sufficient staff, as the event was a midnight affair.