Hundreds of people took part in the rathotsava at the historic Channakeshava Temple in Belur on Wednesday. The devotees participated with enthusiasm as the event was being held for the first time in three years. There was no celebration in the last two years owng to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year the event had attracted attention as a few representatives of pro-Hindutva groups had urged the district administration to bar Muslim traders from taking part in the festival. However, many progressive organisations had opposed such a demand and urged the administration not to take steps that could affect the harmony among communities. There were no untoward incidents during the event on the day. Muslim traders were allowed to take part in the event. Around 15 Muslim traders had set up stalls.
As per the tradition that had been followed for many years, the rathotsava began after reciting excerpts from the Koran. Legislators H.D. Revanna, K.S. Lingesh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kavita Rajaram, Executive Officer of the temple Vidyullatha and others were present. The administration had deployed policemen to avoid any untoward incident during the event.
