Yalgureshwar Utsava

Pranadevar Utsavam at Yalgur Temple, Yalgur

Kartika Utsava (Yalgur Jatra)

Kartika Utsava, also known as Yalgur Jatra, is the grandest festival organized by the Yalgur Devasthaan. It takes place on the first Saturday after the Poornima (full moon) of the Magha month.

Celebrations:

Morning Rituals: The day begins with Pallakki Seva (a ceremonial procession with the deity's palanquin) early in the morning, followed by Mangalarti (a special aarti or prayer).

River Rituals: Devotees bathe in the Krishna River, collect its water, and use it for Panchamruta Abhisheka (a ritual bath with five sacred substances), Maha Puja (grand worship), and Alankaara (dressing the idol in a golden outfit with flowers and garlands). A Maha Naivedya (grand offering of food) is also performed.

Gathering and Darshan: Thousands of devotees, especially from Karnataka, gather at Shree Kshetra Yalgur to seek the darshan (sacred viewing) of Sri Yalguresh.

Prasad and Bhajans: Prasad (sacred food) is distributed to the devotees, and in the evening, Bhajans and Kirtanas (devotional songs) are performed. Shri Paadigaar, a disciple of Bhimshen Joshi, performs Bhajans each year during this festival.

Night Vigil: Devotees stay awake throughout the night in a vigil known as Jaagranna.

Next Day: On the following day, Pallakki Seva, Panchamruta Abhisheka, Maha Puja, and Naivedya are repeated. This day is celebrated as Okalli.

Closing: The festival concludes on the next Saturday with Maree Kartika (Small Kartika), marking the end of the Utsava.