Mysuru: Amidst the cheers of thousands of devotees and various cultural performances, the Shivaratri Shivayogi Rathotsava was grandly celebrated in Suttur on Saturday.The deity’s shrine was adorned, and worship was conducted. At 6am, a Rudrabhisheka was performed at the shrine. At 8.30am, royal honours were given to the presiding deity. At 10.30am, the idol of Shivayogi was placed in the chariot. At 11am, as junior Sri Shiv Siddheshwara Swami of Siddaganga Math and seer of the Suttur mutt, Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, offered prayers and pulled the chariot to commence the Rathotsava, 21 ceremonial cannons were fired on the occasion.Thousands of devotees pulled the massive chariot rope to fulfil their vows. They offered fruits and coconuts to the chariot as a mark of respect, feeling satisfied after fulfilling their vows. Devotees pulling the chariot chanted praises for the monastery’s lineage as the chariot moved along the royal path.Folk art troupes, accompanied by drums and musical instruments, led the flower-decorated chariot, while thousands of devotees lined the streets, offering prayers with folded hands. Devotees walked alongside the chariot up to the original Suttur Mutt. The chariot returned to the shrine after passing Doddamma Temple Circle.About 40 cultural troupes marched in disciplined steps during the Rathotsava procession.The Nandi Dhwaja dance led the procession. Artistes danced to the beat of drums, setting the tone for the procession. Performers dressed as Veerabhadra captured attention with their rhythmic steps.Performances like Kamsale, tiger dance, flag dance, stick fighting, and the brave children’s dance from Suttur village added charm to the Rathotsava.C Somasekhar, president of Akhila Bharat Sharana Sahitya Parishat, NASA scientist Shivaanand, and Mysuru regional commissioner Nitesh Patil were present.
