Kalaburagi festival honors social reformer Sharanabasaveshwar

The annual car festival, known as the Sharanabasaveshwara Jatra Mahotsava, took place in Kalaburagi on Wednesday. This year marks the 203rd celebration of the event, which honors the social reformer and saint Sharanabasaveshwar. Many devotees from various communities attended, filling the temple grounds to witness the festivities. The festival began with the ninth peetadhipathi, Doddappa Appa, displaying a holy silver bowl and a sandalwood casket used by the saint. This act signaled the start of the two-week celebration. Attendees watched as a decorated chariot was pulled around the temple, with people throwing bananas and dates while chanting the saint's name. Visitors from nearby areas and states gathered early to see the rathotsava. Many families watched the event from building terraces surrounding the temple. Some devotees even traveled on foot from their villages to participate. Most attendees fasted throughout the day, only eating after receiving food offerings from the temple when the chariot procession concluded. The festival is considered the largest gathering in the Kalyana Karnataka region. Throughout the day, various organizations provided food, drinks, and other refreshments to the crowd.