Odiyooru Rathotsava – Tulunadu Jaathre

Taking into consideration the installation of Shree Samsthanam, the annual day is celebrated and since 2000-2001, the day is celebrated as Rathotsava or car festival. The Ratha Nirmana Samithi formed for this purpose prepared the Ratha by Swamiji’s grace and presented the same to Samsthanam.

The God fearing devotees have rendered all help to the chariot project like to other programmes of Shree Samsthanam. Rathotsava is verily a feast to the eyes. The Utsavamurthy is taken in a grand procession to Mittanadka where the village deity is worshipped and then to Kanyana. After worshipping at Nithyananda Mandir the chariot returns to Sri Kshethra. The grand procession remains ever fresh in the minds of onlookers. Thanks to the various cultural and art events accompanying the Shobha yathre including Bombe Kunitha (dancing idols), Dollu Kunitha (dancing with drums), Keelu Kudure (dancing horses), Kavai, peacock dance and tableaus. People gather in thousands to have a glimpse of the Ratha-Yathra on bothsides of the route. Devotees offer poojas to the Rath and offer aarthi and receive blessings from Swamiji and experience divine bliss.

“Festivities should not remain merely a celebration. When they allow us to have introspection, then it is really worth it. The vibrant festivities should encourage us for internal purification. Co-operation, harmony, and exchange of feelings enhance the mass devotional mentality. A focused prayer has special power. However, we should have a pure mind that offers prayers to God with fidelity, devotion and dedication.” This is the clear stance of the revered Holy Sheer regarding the festivities.