Mandya: Preparations are in full swing for the grand annual festival of Sri Kashi Vishwanatha and Sri Anantapadmanabha Swamy at Hosabudanur in Mandya taluk, with this year’s celebrations set to introduce heli tourism.The unique initiative is expected to enhance the festival’s appeal and offer devotees and tourists an unforgettable experience.The Budanur Festival, initiated in 2024 by Mandya MLA P Ravikumar Ganiga to promote local tourism and heritage, had received a good response in its inaugural year. It had pulled a good crowd with cultural richness, featuring Ganga Arati, musical evenings, mass dance performances and vibrant processions. However, the festival could not be celebrated last year due to All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. It is now scheduled to return in a grand format during Feb 21 and 22.The festival revolves around the historic 13th-century Sri Kashi Vishwanatha and Sri Anantapadmanabha Swamy temples built during the reign of Hoysala king Veera Ballala II. Adding to the grandeur, helicopter joyrides are planned from Feb 20 to 22. This enables visitors to enjoy aerial views of the scenic surroundings and the town, albeit for a fee.At the behest of the MLA , officials from the public works dept did a recce of the place to identify a suitable location for the helipad. Areas near Hosabudanur, Ummadahalli and Srinivasapura Gate are being considered to ensure safe and smooth operations.
