Sun Feb 08 12:36:40 UTC 2026: # Shivarathri Jatra Preparations Underway Amid Safety Concerns
The Story:
Chamarajanagar district is preparing for the five-day Shivarathri Jatra at Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills, scheduled for February 14-18, 2026. Deputy Commissioner Shreeroopa and Superintendent of Police M. Muthuraj have inspected arrangements, particularly focusing on the Cauvery river crossing at Basavanakadu, a key point in the traditional pilgrimage route. Authorities are deploying additional personnel, medical centers, and disaster response teams to ensure the safety of the large number of devotees expected from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Key Points:
- The Shivarathri Jatra at MM Hills is scheduled for February 14-18, 2026.
- Deputy Commissioner Shreeroopa and Superintendent of Police M. Muthuraj inspected preparations, with a focus on pilgrim safety.
- The pilgrimage route includes crossing the Cauvery River at Sangama and traversing forest stretches.
- Additional personnel, medical facilities, and disaster response teams will be deployed.
- Pilgrims are requested to travel through forest areas only during daylight hours.
Key Takeaways:
- The district administration prioritizes the safety of pilgrims during the Shivarathri Jatra.
- Coordination between various departments (police, forest, health, disaster response) is crucial for successful management of the event.
- Anticipating a large turnout requires proactive measures for crowd control and emergency response.