The vibrant town of Koppal in Karnataka is buzzing with spiritual fervor as the much-anticipated Sri Gavisiddheshwara Rathotsava begins. Often celebrated as the Kumbh Mela of South India, this grand chariot festival is being held at the historic Gavi Mutt, drawing devotees from across the region.
A Grand Inauguration and Spiritual Commencement
The main event, the Maharathotsava, is scheduled to start at 5.30 pm on Monday. The honor of inaugurating the festival falls to Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar, who hails from Kuknur in Koppal district. Authorities have made extensive preparations, anticipating a massive gathering of 3 to 4 lakh devotees. The city and the Mutt premises are already resplendent with dazzling lights, and a beautifully decorated chariot has become a center of attraction for early arrivals.
Religious activities will begin in the early hours at 4 am. Adding a unique touch to the festivities, the police department will present a dog squad and karate demonstration within the Mutt at 10.30 am. In a noble initiative, a blood donation camp organized by the Indian Red Cross Society and Gavisiddheshwar Ayurvedic Mahavidyalaya will run from January 5 to 8, daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Cultural Extravaganza and Community Feasting
The evenings promise a rich blend of devotion and entertainment. Following the Maharathotsava, a Bhakta Hitachintan meeting will be held at the Kailash Mantap on the mutt hills, accompanied by music and comedy performances. Artists Vidwan Naushad Harlapur and Vidwan Nishad Harlapur from Shivamogga will perform, while Narasimha Joshi from Gangavati will provide comic relief.
The festivities extend over several days. On January 6, a wrestling exhibition with invited wrestlers is set for 10.30 am, followed by an evening Bhakta Hitachintan meeting featuring paediatric cardiologist Dr Vijayalakshmi Balekundri. January 7 will see a kabaddi tournament and an evening program with writer Dr Na Someshwar and senior actor HG Dattatrey (Dattana). Cultural performances by Muniraju Kadabigeri's team (Sugama Sangeet) and comedian B Pranesh are also scheduled. Additionally, the Gavisiddheshwara Mahatme drama will be staged at 10.30 pm on January 5 and 6.
Meticulous Arrangements and Grand Dasoha
Under the guidance of the mutt's head, Abhinava Gavisiddheshwar Swamiji, every detail has been meticulously planned. A highlight of the festival is the 15-day Dasoha (community feeding), entirely managed by volunteers funded through devotees' contributions.
The feast menu is both elaborate and traditional. The first day features jaggery jalebi, followed by a variety of sweets and savories on subsequent days, including mirchi bajji, rava laddu, groundnut holige, and Mysurupak. In a staggering scale of service, organizers plan to distribute approximately 5 lakh mirchi bajjis and 5 lakh Mysurupak pieces starting January 6.
Concurrently, the horticulture department is hosting a district-level fruit and flower exhibition from January 5 to 14, adding to the festive atmosphere. The combination of deep devotion, cultural richness, and grand community service makes this Rathotsava a truly landmark event for Koppal and its visitors.
