Religious fervour, enthusiasm mark Huligemma Devi Rathotsava at Huligi

The historic Rathotsava of Sri Huligemma Devi, the presiding deity of Huligi village in Koppal district, was celebrated with great religious fervour and enthusiasm on Monday.

The annual chariot festival commenced during the auspicious hours at around 5.30 p.m. at the famous pilgrimage centre of Huligi in Koppal taluk.

Devotees from Koppal and neighbouring districts, including Vijayanagara, Ballari, Gadag and Raichur, as well as other parts of the State, gathered in large numbers to witness the grand procession and offered prayers amid devotional chants.

The decorated chariot carrying the idol of Goddess Huligemma was pulled through the traditional route. It returned to its original place after reaching Padagatte.

Devotees raised slogans of “Udo Udo Huligemma” throughout the procession, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere in the village.

Lok Sabha member from Koppal Rajashekhar Hitnal, Member of Legislative Council Hemalatha Nayak and the former Lok Sabha member Sanganna Karadi, among other dignitaries, participated in the ceremony and offered special prayers to the deity.

Elaborate police security arrangements were made under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.

Members of the Sri Huligemma Development Authority, its secretary Prakash Rao, World Animal Welfare Board president Dayananda Swamiji, Huligi Gram Panchayat members and a large number of devotees from Huligi and surrounding villages were present.