The organizers of the Karaga said that they were not inviting politicians because of the model code of conduct (MCC).
The pooja marking the beginning of the Bangalore Karaga procession at the Sri Dharmaraya Swamy temple this morning was attended by several politicians, though they had not been invited for it.
The famous nine-day festival comes to an end this evening with the Karaga moving through parts of the city, three days before the city goes to polls.
The festival organizers made it clear that they had not invited any politician to the ceremony. (repeated)
Chickpet MLA Uday B. Garudachar who visited the Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple this morning said, “Bangalore faced deficient rainfall so far this year so, we organized this ritual believing that it will rain in the upcoming months.” He praised the police’s efforts in maintaining the security around the temple. The Vahnikula Kshatriya community, who organizes the Karga has said in news reports that were not inviting political leaders keeping in mind the model code of conduct. . However, politicians were otherwise free to visit the temple on their own.
Lakshmish, priest and organizer at the temple said, “This has a lot of significance in preserving the traditions of our city.” He said that the Karaga decorated with flowers will be carried after midnight on Tuesday. The police have blocked roads in the area to prevent overcrowding.
Karaga festival is celebrated annually during the month of Chaitra (March/April) according to the Hindu calendar. The Karaga is supported by the floral pyramid and an idol of Goddess Shakti. The Karaga is carried on the head of the bearer without touching it. The carrier wears a woman’s attire with bangles and mangal – sutra. This celebration honours Draupadi as the ideal women and Goddess Shakti.
The Karaga festival is celebrated for nine days. Several rituals are performed during these days and on the last day the festival is highlighted by the grand procession. This year the Karaga festival began on April 15.
