Hassanamba Devi festival in Karnataka

The annual Hassanamba Devi festival, a rare religious event occurring once every 25 years, has commenced in Hassan, Karnataka. The festival began with traditional rituals to open the sanctum sanctorum doors in the presence of religious leaders and local dignitaries.

To manage the expected influx of over 1 million devotees, the district administration has implemented extensive infrastructure, including a 9.5-kilometer barricade system, German tents, and special transport services such as dedicated trains from Bengaluru and Arsikere. The event features a focus on rural culture and sports, including wrestling, kabaddi, and volleyball competitions, alongside livestock exhibitions.

Security and crowd management efforts include the deployment of approximately 2,000 police personnel from five districts, the use of 220 CCTV cameras, and AI technology. Special provisions have been established for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, while devotees can access the temple through traditional queues, paid tickets, or online bookings.