A large number of pilgrims visited the Saundatti Yallamma temple in Belagavi district of Karnataka for the Bharat Hunnime festival on February 1, 2026.
| Photo Credit: BADIGER PK
A large number of pilgrims visited the Saundatti Yallamma temple in Saundatti in Belagavi district of Karnataka to celebrate the Bharat Hunnime festival on February 1.
Pilgrims from Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra descended on the temple town, and stayed overnight. Some came by bus, some by bullock cart, and a significant number walked from their village to the town.
A large number of believers from Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra descended on Saundatti, and stayed overnight. Some came by bus, some by bullock cart, and a significant number walked from their village to the Saundatti Yallamma temple in Belagavi district for Bhara Hunnime festival on February 1, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
BADIGER PK
Some carried pots of water from the Malaprabha to the temple. They offered water and flowers at the shrine of Satyemma Devi at the foot of the hills. Some bathed at the Jogula Bavi (well) on the Saudatti-Belagavi road before climbing the mountain. Devotees waited for hours in long queues to enter the temple.
Some cooked in makeshift tents and carried prasad to the sanctum sanctorum. Families went around the stalls in the premises and shopped for fruits, flowers and toys.
The Saundatti Yallamma Temple Development Authority and the district administration had taken several steps to provide facilities to pilgrims. They set up mobile charging points and set up towers nearby. Temporary dormitories have been set up. One-way traffic rule was introduced on the main road, and parking facilities were created on both sides of the road.
“We have taken up repair of roads and construction of new roads in Saundatti town and in surrounding areas. Work on building a Yatri Nivas, animal shelter and a mass cooking centre is on,” said Belagavi district Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan.
Published – February 02, 2026 04:20 pm IST
