Over 2,000 bikers join Basava Jayanti rally

Photo: Gurusiddha Swamiji of Karanji Mutt inaugurated the bike rally organised in Belagavi on Sunday to mark the birth anniversary of Vishwaguru Basavanna.Belagavi: A massive bike rally was organised in Belagavi on Sunday to mark the birth anniversary of Vishwaguru Basavanna and to spread his message of social equality. More than 2,000 bikers participated in the rally, with people from different religions, including women, youth, children and senior citizens.Gurusiddha Swami of Karanji Mutt flagged off the rally, which covered over 15km across the city. With this event, the birth anniversary celebrations of Basavanna — Karnataka's revered cultural leader — commenced in Belagavi. Various programmes have been scheduled as part of the celebrations and will continue until April 26.The rally witnessed wide participation from pro-Basava organisations and devotees of Basavanna belonging to different faiths, highlighting the inclusive nature of his philosophy. In his address, Gurusiddha Swami said that Basavanna's principles of Kayaka and Dasoha emphasise the dignity of labour and social responsibility. He said the Panchachar (five-fold principles), Shatasthals (six-fold principles) and Ashtavarans (eight-fold principles) form the foundation of the Lingayat religion, while the vachanas serve as guides to a moral way of life.Praising the Anubhava Mantapa established by Basavanna, the Swami said it was a democratic platform open to all and not restricted to any single community. He added that everyone who accepted Basavanna's principles was a Lingayat.Basaveshwara Bank director Sarala Hirekar urged the youth to spend less time on mobile phones and actively engage in public service, while also propagating Basavanna's principles.Former MLC Mahantesh Kavatagimutt, noted physician Dr Ravi Patil, advocate and district president of the Jagatik Lingayat Sanghatane Basavaraju Rotti, Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha district president Ratnaprabha Bellad, and several community leaders participated in the event.The bike rally began at Basaveshwara Circle in Shahapur and passed through RPD Cross, Khanapur Road, Anagol, Vadagavi, Shahapur, Kapileshwar Bridge, Ramalinga Kind Galli, Rani Channamma Circle, Shivabasava Nagar, Ashok Nagar and Mahantesh Nagar, before concluding at the FG Halakatti Sabha Bhavan premises in Ramteerth Nagar.