Dharmasthala Lakshadeepotsava: A Festival of Lights, Devotion, and Cultural Splendor
Dharmasthala, Nov 27, 2024: The sacred pilgrimage site and a symbol of interfaith harmony, Dharmasthala, is currently buzzing with the festive spirit of Lakshadeepotsava in the auspicious Karthika month.
Every corner of this holy town, from the temple and guesthouses to the Bahubali Betta and entrance gateways, has been adorned with vibrant, decorative lights that amplify the festive charm.
Thousands of devotees and tourists are arriving daily from across the state to experience the grandeur of the festival. After offering their prayers, they explore attractions like the Manjusha Museum, Car Museum, Lalithodyan (gardens), and the scenic Ratnagiri Bahubali Hill, expanding their horizons in the lap of nature’s serenity.
A Crowd-Puller: State-Level Exhibition
The state-level exhibition organized on the school grounds has over 300 stalls that are capturing the attention of visitors. These stalls feature displays ranging from books, agriculture, science, art, culture, and rural handicrafts, offering an enriching experience to all attendees.
Particularly noteworthy are the stalls by the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project, self-help groups, and the Siri Gramodyog initiative. Stalls showcasing handmade baskets, leaf plates, and self-employment training programs are among the highlights.
Banks such as Karnataka Bank and Canara Bank, along with life insurance companies and government departments, are providing valuable information and guidance to the public through their dedicated stalls.
Special Transport and Offerings
KSRTC has arranged special bus services from various towns across Karnataka to accommodate the influx of devotees. Many pilgrims are arriving on foot or by bicycle, embodying their devotion and determination.
Devotees are also offering fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, rice, and grains as a token of gratitude to the deity, maintaining a long-standing tradition.
Impeccable Management and Hospitality
The well-organized arrangements, cleanliness, discipline, and the ever-smiling service of the temple staff and volunteers have garnered praise from all corners. The vibrant atmosphere and the seamless coordination reflect the essence of Dharmasthala’s legacy.
Cultural Programs and Upcoming Events
Every evening, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, cultural performances are being held at the exhibition premises, enthralling audiences with music, dance, and traditional art forms.
On Thursday, a Lalitha Kala Goshti will take place at 5:30 PM in the Amrutavarshini Hall.
On Friday, the 92nd session of the Sarva Dharma Sammelana will be inaugurated at 5:00 PM by Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara. The session will be presided over by Swamiji Jayendrapuri of Bengaluru’s Kailash Ashram. Eminent speakers such as Dr. G.B. Harish, Dr. Joseph N.M., and Mehtab Ibrahim Sab Kagawaad will deliver interfaith lectures, enriching the spiritual discourse.
