Basava Jayanti marked with processions, tributes across Dharwad

Captions: Deputy commissioner Snehal R, ZP CEO Bhuvanesh Patil, SP Gunjan Arya, HDMC assistant commissioner Anuaradha Vastrad and others garland the statue of Basaveshwara at Dharwad on Monday; Former mayor Iresh Anchatageri and others offer pooja to Basaveshwar statue at Basava Mantapa replicating Delhi's India Gate constructed at Koppadakeri in DharwadDharwad: The birth anniversary of 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara was observed with devotion and cultural fervour across the city on Monday.Processions carrying portraits of Basavanna, vachana recitals, special lectures, skits, fancy dress competitions and pujas at Basava temples marked the celebrations. Members of various organisations and political leaders paid floral tributes to his statue at Kadapa Maidan, while Basava Dal activists offered prayers and distributed sweets.Deputy commissioner Snehal R performed a special puja at her office before garlanding the statue at Kadapa Maidan. She was joined by ZP CEO Bhuvanesh Patil, Police Commissioner Shashikumar, SP Gunjan Arya and other officials.The Akhila Bharat Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha paid tributes at Lingayat Bhavan, while educational institutions across the district organised commemorative programmes.At a district-level function held at Alur Venkatrao Bhavan, legal expert Lohit Naikar delivered a lecture on "Basaveshwar Philosophy and Human Rights," highlighting the relevance of Basavanna's teachings in contemporary society.Former mayor Iresh Anchatgeri offered puja at the Basaveshwara statue installed at a replica of India Gate in Basaveshwara Nagar, while Mayor Jyoti Patil led tributes at Kalabhavan.Speakers at various events described Basavanna as a beacon of equality and spiritual wisdom who advocated a meaningful life through his vachanas.Akshaya Tritiya boosts festive buyingThe day also coincided with Akshaya Tritiya, prompting special pujas at homes and temples. Despite high gold prices, jewellery stores witnessed brisk business, driven by the belief that purchases made on the occasion bring prosperity. Retail outlets selling household appliances also reported good footfall.