Hasanamba festival in Karnataka’s Hassan: Temple to be opened on Oct. 9, 2 lakh devotees expected per day

The doors of the historic Hasanamba Temple in Hassan will be opened on Thursday, October 9, to mark the inauguration of the Hasanamba festival. As in the past years, lakhs of devotees from different places are expected to visit the temple during the festival that concludes on October 23. The temple is opened only during this festival and it remains closed on all other days.

Hassan district administration, which has made arrangements for the festival, is expecting around 25 lakh devotees this year. Unlike in previous years, the administration has streamlined the visits by VIPs and special pass holders. The VIPs, who enjoy protocol, are allowed to visit only between 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. The administration has arranged vehicles from the Inspection Bungalow for the VIPs. Their individual vehicles would not be allowed inside the temple premises.

The temple will be opened at 12 noon on Thursday, after traditional rituals. On the first day, devotees would not be allowed to visit the temple for the deity’s darshana. They will be allowed entry from 6 a.m. on Friday. The devotees can enter the temple free of charge, or by getting tickets that cost ₹300 and ₹1,000 per person. The ticket holders will visit the temple in separate queues. Officers are expecting a turnout of 2 lakh devotees per day.

Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who is also the Minister in charge of Hassan district, has held several rounds of meetings with officers regarding the preparations for the festival. He met elected representatives of the district and took their suggestions for making proper arrangements.

The administration has set up three stages for conducting cultural programmes during the festival. Besides that, heli-tourism and special tourism packages have been arranged.