News : Anand Kumar Barkur, Pics : Shashidhar, Roopa Studio, Barkur
Barkur: The Shri Marikamba Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samiti of Udyalagudde, Hanehalli, Barkur, celebrated the 20th year of its Public Ganesh Festival with great splendour from September 14 to 15, 2026, featuring a host of religious and cultural programmes along with community feast (annasantarpane) services.
Bhajan Seva by Local Women's and Children's Groups
The festivities were enriched by devotional bhajan services rendered by several local mandalis, including the Shri Masti Durga Mahila Bhajana Mandali, the Shri Masti Durga Children's Bhajana Mandali of Dharma Shala Barkur, the Shri Someshwara Mahila Vedike of Moodukeri Barkur, the Shri Pradha Mahila Balaga of Kalikamba Devasthana Barkur, and the Shriram Mahila Kunitha Bhajana Mandali of Hanehalli Moodutota Barkur.
Religious Assembly Held on Inaugural Night
On the night of Monday, September 14, 2026, a religious assembly programme was held, presided over by Shri S. Himakara Shetty, a retired teacher from Udyalagudde.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including:
- Shri Vishwanath Kotyan (Mother Bricks, Bandimath)
- Shri Belle Vasantha Shetty (Entrepreneur, Belle)
- Shri M.C. Pujari (Survey Supervisor, ADLR Office, Kundapura), Champadi
- Shri Chandrashekhara Shetty (Former President, Hanehalli Grama Panchayat)
- Shri Mahadeva K., Masti Nagar (President, Ganeshotsav Samiti)
- Shri Shantharama Pujari, Masti Nagar (Secretary, Ganeshotsav Samiti)
- Shri Ramesh P.K. (Project Officer, Shri Dharmasthala Grameenabhivruddhi Yojane, Brahmavara Taluk)
- Shri Ramananda Shetty (Former Member, Hanehalli Grama Panchayat)
- Smt. Mallika (Former President, Hanehalli Grama Panchayat)
Also present were Shri Sachindra Kumar, all office-bearers of the Ganeshotsav Samiti, other dignitaries, and residents of the village.
Felicitation to Rescue Expert Ishwar Malpe
A special highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Shri Ishwar Malpe, a renowned rescue and diving expert widely known as "Apatbandhava" (friend-in-need), who has been continuously engaged in social service. He was honoured by the Marikamba Sarvajanika Ganeshotsav Samiti in the presence of the assembled dignitaries, in recognition of his selfless contribution to the community.
Rituals, Feast, and Grand Immersion Procession
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the morning began with the Ganahoma (sacred fire ritual) and a spirited Kunitha Bhajana Mahapuje (traditional dance-accompanied worship) performed by the Shri Rama Bhajana Mandali of Hanehalli Moodutota.
Between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm, a large-scale Annasantarpane (community food offering) service was conducted for devotees and villagers.
In the evening, an eye-catching immersion procession set off through Barkur, culminating at the Shri Batte Vinayaka Temple. The idol of Lord Ganesha was subsequently immersed with due ceremony (jala-stambhana) in the temple pond of Shri Someshwara Devasthana, Moodukeri.
Gratitude Extended to Supporters
The Shri Marikamba Sarvajanika Ganeshotsav Samiti extended its heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed — directly or indirectly — to the success of the 20th year celebrations. Special thanks were conveyed to the administrative board of Shri Someshwara Temple for providing the boat used during the immersion, and to the Mogaveera Grama Sabha of Bennekudru for their cooperation in the pond festival and the immersion ceremony.
