News n Visuals : Anand Kumar Barkur
Thousands of devotees gather as the immersion procession concludes with devotion and splendour
BARKUR, October 21, 2026 — The 45th annual Public Sri Sharadotsava concluded in grand fashion today with a magnificent procession (Shobhayatra) through the temple town of Barkur. Thousands of devotees turned out to witness the event, which ended with the ceremonial immersion of the idol of Goddess Sharada in the sacred Kote Kere pond.
Organised by the Sarvajanika Sri Sharadotsava Samiti, Barkur, the festival was held at the Barkur Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple. The procession was led by the committee's president, Sri B. Shantharama Shetty, and attended by a number of dignitaries. The proceedings were completed successfully and in an atmosphere of deep devotion.
Procession begins from Kotekeri
The procession was flagged off at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday from the Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple at Barkur Kotekeri. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the chende drums, folk-style Kunita Bhajana troupes danced their way through the streets in devotional step.
The procession travelled as far as Durga Traders in Barkur. It then proceeded to the sacred Kote Kere pond near the Sri Batte Vinayaka Temple, where the idol of Goddess Sharada was immersed without incident.
Special attraction: Chende ensemble
The highlight of the procession was the chende performance by the Sri Bobbaryeshwara Singari Mela of Suralu Sallekatte, Kokkarne. Their drumming stirred a wave of devotion across Barkur, and the joy of devotees dancing to the beat made for a memorable sight.
Bhajana troupes add to the festivities
Several Kunita Bhajana troupes added colour to the procession:
- Sri Battevinayaka Mahila Bhajana Mandali, Shettigar Industries, Ranganakere
- Brahmashri Narayana Guru Mahila Bhajana Mandali, Shivagiri, Barkur
- Sri Shashigooli Brahma Mahila Bhajana Mandali, Herady
- Koodli Sri Durgamba Mahila Bhajana Mandali, Ranganakere
- Sri Mahalingeshwara Bhajana Mandali, Shiroor-Muddumane
- Sri Jai Ganesha Bhajana Mandali, Billadi
Several other troupes also took part, further enhancing the procession. Devotees raised cries of "Jai Sharadambe" throughout.
Committee expresses gratitude
Following the celebrations, the committee issued a statement of thanks to all the donors and volunteers whose support helped make the 45th Sharadotsava a success.
Among those specially acknowledged:
- Sponsors of the Sri Sharada idol: Sri Rajiva Shettihole of Hoddina Mane, and Hotel Shivani Inn, Gadag.
- Sponsor of refreshments for the town procession and pond festival day: Sri Adarsh Shetty, Udupi.
- Sponsors of the five days of puja decorations for Goddess Sharada: MAHALASA – Civil Engineers & Contractors, Barkur (Sri Ganesh Pai and Sri Prakash Pai).
- Sponsors of the decoration of the Sharada mantapa and the procession chariot: Chittara Shamiyana & Decoration, Samrajya Residency.
- Donor of saffron shawls for the procession: Sri Praveen Gadiyar, Barkur.
- Sponsors of the fireworks display: Sri Rakshith, Barkur, and Sri Vikhyath Shetty of Nadoor, patron of the Chende troupe.
The committee also thanked:
- All donors who contributed funds for the religious ceremonies
- All the bhajana mandalis that offered bhajan services throughout the five days
- All the Kunita Bhajana troupes that participated in the procession
- The chende troupe of Sri Bobbaryeshwara Singari Mela, who brought life to the procession
- Sri Jaya Kundar and his team, who arranged the electrical lighting and sound system
- Members of the Mogaveera Yuvaka Sangha, Bennekudru, Barkur, who assisted with the immersion
- The staff of the Brahmavara Police Station, who maintained law and order
- Everyone who helped, directly or indirectly
"On behalf of the Sarvajanika Sri Sharadotsava Samiti, Barkur, we offer our endless thanks," said the committee, signing off under the names of president Sri B. Shantharama Shetty and all its members. The committee concluded with a prayer that the blessings of Goddess Sharada remain with all.
