Uppinangadi witnessed the magnificent Jalastambhana Shobhayatre of Sri Ganesha on the night of September 18, marking the culmination of five days of worship. Organised by the Sarvajanika Sri Ganeshotsava Samiti Seva Trust as part of its golden jubilee celebrations, the grand procession wound through the town before the deity's immersion at the sacred confluence of the Netravati and Kumaradhara rivers.
Following a traditional Mahapooja held in the evening, the Digvijaya and Bhajana Shobhayatre commenced from outside the Sri Lakshmi Venkataramana Kalyana Mantapa. Businessman Mohan Kumar and Hindu activist Arun Kumar Puthila flagged off the procession. Devotees lined the electrically lit Rathabeedi as the procession traversed through the market, Bank Road, Gandhi Park, past Adithya Hotel, and eventually reached the premises of the Sri Sahasralingeshwara-Mahakali Temple via Indraprastha Vidyalaya road. Along the route, various Kunita Bhajana teams, including trainers from Bhaajore Maruti, performed rhythmic bhajans, while the Sri Anjaneya Havyasi Vyayama Sangha presented diverse drills. Elaborate tableaux featuring Sri Anjaneya with Rama and Lakshmana, a visual representation of Vasuki and Garuda, and a tribute to Bal Gangadhar Tilak captured public attention. Puppet dances further added to the festive atmosphere.
An incident briefly interrupted the scheduled proceedings before the immersion rituals. As per long-standing tradition, a recorded rendition of 'Vande Mataram' began playing via microphone. Uppinangadi Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Suthesh intervened after two stanzas, instructing the sound operator to halt the national song. This action immediately ignited strong reactions among the assembled devotees. They confronted the PSI, emphatically stating that while all regulations for the procession had been strictly followed, stopping the national anthem was an act they would not tolerate. The agitated crowd insisted the PSI personally direct the sound operator to play the full song. Observing the rapidly escalating tension, PSI Suthesh subsequently instructed the broadcast of the complete 'Vande Mataram' track, ensuring due respect was paid. The deity's immersion ceremony at the holy river confluence then proceeded as planned.
Prominent figures present included Puttur Advocates' Association President Santosh Kumar, businessman Shashidhar Nattibail, K. Radhakrishna Naik of the Sri Sahasralingeshwara-Mahakali Temple managing committee, and U.G. Radha from Sri Rama School. The event also saw the participation of Sarvajanika Sri Ganeshotsava Samiti Seva Trust President K. Sudhakar Shetty Gandhipark, Secretary Jayaprakash Shetty Srinidhi, Treasurer Chandrahas Hegde, and other key members. Arun Kumar Puthila, coordinator of Puthila Parivara Seva Trust, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad Bajrang Dal leaders were informed about the incident.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK