Dasara Festival Dates Changed Again

**Madikeri, Sept. 17:** The committee of the Sri Kanchi Kamakshiyamma Temple—one of the four Karaga deities—has clarified that the historic Madikeri Dasara Karaga festival and the *Dasha Mantapa* (ten-pavilion) procession will take place on October 21.

Speaking at a press conference, G.V. Ravikumar, the committee's Honorary President, noted that the Gowli community has been performing Karaga worship since ancient times. Traditionally, community elders and the priests of the four Karaga deities meet at the Kanchi Kamakshiyamma Temple to fix the dates; the Karaga festival is conducted, followed by the procession on Vijayadashami and the *Banni Kadiyuva* (Banni tree ritual). However, confusion arose recently when some individuals held a meeting at the Kundurumotte Sri Chauti Mariyamma Temple and announced that the procession would be held on October 20 (Ayudha Puja day). In light of this, a meeting was held yesterday at the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple in the presence of elders and the priests of the four Karaga deities. After discussions, it was decided that the Karaga rituals would commence on October 11 and the procession would be held on Vijayadashami, October 21. He added that the *Dasha Mantapa* committee has also consented, and the procession of the pavilions will take place on the same day. Ravi explained that while confusion sometimes arises regarding the observance due to the occurrence of an *Adhika Masa* (extra month/leap month), the procession and the *Banni Kadiyuva* (Banni tree ritual) have historically been performed on Vijayadashami even during such years. 

Since the *Karaga* rituals are set to begin on the 11th, the Dasara festivities will span a total of 11 days.

Honorary President G.G. Balakrishna stated that the Dasara festival should be celebrated with grandeur; however, certain decisions made by some individuals recently have cast a shadow over the event. He noted that the established tradition involves elders gathering at the Kanchi Kamakshi temple to make decisions regarding the *Karaga* festival—as has been the practice since the time of their ancestors—before informing the *Dasha Mantapa* Committee, the Dasara Committee, and the Deputy Commissioner. This tradition cannot be altered, nor can history be distorted. He mentioned that the recent decisions by some had caused confusion, prompting the convening of a meeting to rectify the situation. It has been decided to conduct the Dasara festival in an organized manner and to observe the festivities strictly in accordance with tradition and established customs.

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