The revered doors of the historic Hasanamba Temple in Hassan are scheduled to open on Thursday, October 9th, signaling the start of the much-anticipated annual Hasanamba festival. As is customary, millions of devotees from across various regions are eagerly expected to converge upon the temple during this auspicious period, which concludes on October 23rd. This sacred shrine uniquely welcomes pilgrims only during this festival, remaining closed throughout the rest of the year.
The Hassan district administration has meticulously planned for this grand event, projecting an attendance of approximately 2.5 million devotees this year. In a significant change from previous years, the entry process for VIPs and special pass holders has been thoughtfully streamlined. Dignitaries, who receive special protocol, will now have designated darshan timings between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. To ensure seamless movement and minimize congestion, dedicated vehicles will transport VIPs from the Inspection Bungalow, with personal vehicles strictly prohibited within the temple grounds.
Following sacred traditional rituals, the temple will formally open its doors at 12 noon on Thursday. Please note that on this inaugural day, general devotees will not be permitted for darshan. Public entry will commence from 6 a.m. on Friday. Pilgrims have the option of free entry or can opt for special darshan tickets, priced at ₹300 and ₹1,000, which grant access through separate, faster-moving queues. Authorities anticipate an impressive daily footfall of up to 2 lakh devotees.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who holds the additional responsibility of Minister in charge for Hassan district, has been actively involved in overseeing the festival preparations. He conducted numerous meetings with officials and consulted with elected representatives from the district, incorporating their valuable suggestions to ensure impeccable arrangements for all attendees.
Beyond the spiritual observances, the administration has also curated a vibrant cultural experience. Three dedicated stages have been erected to host various cultural programs throughout the festival. Additionally, exciting options like heli-tourism and bespoke tourism packages have been introduced, offering visitors unique ways to explore the region and enhance their festival experience.