9 lakh devotees expected for Navalgund Kamanna idol installation fete

Pic: The historic Navalgund Kamanna idol was installed at Ramalingeswara temple in a grand ceremony on SaturdayHubballi: The historic Navalgund Kamanna idol at the Ramalingeswara Temple was unveiled on Saturday in a grand ceremony. Eight to nine lakh devotees from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and north Karnataka are expected to take part in the celebrations over the next five days. Last year, about 6 lakh attended the event.Offerings to the idol, such as silver basins and horses, are considered special, drawing people of various faiths to fulfil vows. Authorities have organised crowd management in anticipation of the large turnout.Lingaraj B Siddaramashettar from the Ramalingeshwar Kamanna Trust, in an interaction with TOI noted the ongoing mystery of how Ramalinga Kamanna came to Navalgund. Devotees can pray until the night of March 4, with the Kumbh Mela, kalasa installation, and puja planned to accommodate around 8 lakh visitors.Traditionally, childless couples offer cradles for blessings of children, while others give silver articles for health, housing, or job stability. Many return to express gratitude once their prayers are answered.Per tradition, Ramalinga Kamanna is worshipped and burned on a specific day, with the idol reinstalled on Ugadi, symbolising Kamanna's rebirth.Gunjan Arya, SP, said that over 200 police personnel will ensure security, with barricading, CCTV installations, and a route march for added safety.