Ratha Sapthami celebrated with grandeur at Melukote

Mandya: District minister N Cheluvarayaswamy participated in the Ratha Sapthami celebrations at Melukote here on Wednesday.
The event was held with great fervour, with special pujas and rituals conducted at the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple.
The Rathasapthami festival is significant, marking the shift in the sun's path. The celebrations attracted hundreds of devotees who took part in the Surya Mandala vehicle procession, a key event of the day. Devotees from across the region, including Tamil Nadu, thronged the temple town to seek divine darshan of the deity.
A highlight of the festival was the procession of the idol, which was carried on a gold-plated Surya Mandala chariot in the morning. Folk troupes from across Karnataka, along with artists from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, participated in the procession, adding to the vibrancy of the occasion.
Cheluvarayaswamy was accompanied by his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. They performed a special pooja for the deities. Police made elaborate security arrangements at the temple. Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah was also present.