The two-day Adi Kruthike Jatra Mahotsava, an annual fair held on the premises of the Guddekal Balasubrahmanya Temple here, concluded on Friday. Hundreds of people from Shivamogga and neighbouring towns and villages participated in the festival.

Several devotees participated in the festival carrying a kavadi, a wooden pole balanced on the shoulders, and had pierced their cheeks with spears (vela) as part of a custom to fulfil their vows. A few of them carried spears that were several feet long. They walked long distances along the roads, carrying spears or wooden poles, to reach the temple from their native places.

The movement of vehicles on the road connecting Holehonnur and Shivamogga was disrupted owing to the festival. Several schools located on Shivamogga-Channagiri Road declared a holiday for the day to avoid inconvenience to students.

Published - August 07, 2026 08:19 pm IST