Historic Hasanamba Festival Wraps Up with Record Footfall
The ancient Hasanamba Temple in Hassan, Karnataka, concluded its biennial festival after 14 days of spiritual fervor, drawing 26 lakh (2.6 million) devotees. The temple, open only during Ashwayuja month, closed its doors on October 28, leaving pilgrims in awe of Goddess Hasanamba’s blessings.
Why is Hasanamba Temple Unique?
- 800-year-old shrine, open only once every two years.
- Goddess Hasanamba is believed to meditate the rest of the year, making darshan highly auspicious.
- This year’s festival (Oct 15–28) saw a 20% increase in visitors compared to 2021.
How Did Authorities Manage the Massive Crowd?
- 1,500 police personnel, 200 volunteers, and 100 sanitation workers deployed.
- AI crowd monitoring, drone surveillance, and special traffic plans ensured smooth operations.
- Free food (annadanam) and medical camps were set up for devotees.
Economic & Cultural Impact of the Festival
- Local businesses flourished—artisans, hotels, and transport services saw record earnings.
- Cultural events, including folk dances and exhibitions, highlighted Karnataka’s heritage.
- The Karnataka government plans to include Hasanamba Temple in the “Spiritual Karnataka” tourism circuit.
Emotional Farewell & Future Plans
As the temple doors closed, devotees gathered for a final aarti, many overwhelmed with emotion. The next festival will be held in 2025, with plans for better infrastructure and enhanced pilgrim facilities.
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