Mysuru, 16 Oct

The annual Chamundi Rathotsava, a revered car festival, unfolded with great enthusiasm atop Chamundi Hills on Wednesday, three days after the grand Vijayadashami procession. The event drew a large crowd of devotees from Mysuru and beyond, who arrived early in the morning to partake in the religious celebrations and offer their prayers.

The festivities began with the temple's chief priest, Shashishekhar Dixit, performing traditional rituals. The Utsava Murthy, an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, was placed on a decorated chariot adorned with flowers, mango leaves, and colourful flags. The idol was further embellished with diamond-studded gold ornaments.

After the rituals, the chariot was taken out in a procession around the temple. Devotees commenced pulling the chariot at 9.30am, chanting slogans of “Jai Chamundi, Ughe Ughe Chamundeshwari,” filling the air with their devotion. The procession concluded at 10.30am.

As the chariot made its way through the procession, devotees showered it with "Hannu Javana" (bananas), special fruits, and flowers, seeking the blessings of the goddess. A gun salute was given by the City Armed Reserve Police personnel to honour Goddess Chamundeshwari, accompanied by the sound of firecrackers, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.