The historic town of Srirangapatna in Karnataka's Mandya district is set to host its annual Sankirtana Yatra on Wednesday, drawing thousands of Hanuma devotees from across the region. The event, marked by devotional singing and special prayers, is being organized by various right-wing groups and has transformed the town into a festive hub, albeit under a significant security blanket.
Heavy Security Arrangements for Peaceful Procession
In anticipation of the large gathering, the local police have implemented extensive security measures. Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi stated that more than 1,200 police personnel have been deployed across the town to ensure the event's smooth conduct. The security apparatus has been further bolstered by the installation of over 150 CCTV cameras along the designated yatra route for continuous monitoring.
"We have strengthened security arrangements across the town. Additional personnel have been deployed, and CCTV cameras have been installed along the yatra route to monitor the movement of devotees and manage the crowd," SP Baladandi explained. He added that police are also vigilantly monitoring social media platforms, warning that stringent action will be taken against anyone found violating rules.
Procession Route and Expected Participation
The devotional procession is scheduled to commence at 11 am from the Nimishamba Temple. It will traverse through key routes in Srirangapatna, including the area in front of the Jamia Mosque, before concluding at the Ranganathaswamy Temple by approximately 5 pm.
Authorities expect a massive turnout of devotees not just from Mandya, but also from neighbouring districts including Mysuru, Kodagu, Hassan, and Ramanagara. The event is also likely to see participation from leaders of various organizations and local political representatives. As a precautionary step, a police route march was conducted on Tuesday under the leadership of SP Baladandi.
Appeal for Harmony and Orderly Conduct
The district administration, having coordinated with the event organizers, has made a public appeal for cooperation. Participants and the general public have been urged to adhere to all security guidelines and contribute to maintaining communal harmony throughout the event. The aim is to facilitate an orderly and peaceful procession, as has been the tradition in previous years.
With the town already wearing a festive look, the combined efforts of the police, administration, and organizers are focused on ensuring that the spiritual fervor of the Sankirtana Yatra is celebrated safely and harmoniously by all.
