1. Kartika Utsava (Yalgur Jatra)
- Significance:
- This is the grandest and most significant celebration organized by the Yalgur Devasthaan Committee.
- It is held on the first Saturday after the Poornima (Full Moon) of the Magha Maas (Karthika month).
- Devotees gather in large numbers from across India, especially from Karnataka, to take part in the festivities.
- Morning Rituals:
- The day begins with Pallaki Seva (procession of the Utsava idol) early in the morning.
- This is followed by Mangala Aarti, a ceremonial lamp offering and prayer.
- Devotees take a holy dip in the Krishna River and bring back sacred water to the temple.
- A Panchamruta Abhisheka (ritual bath with five sacred substances) is performed on the idol of Shri Yalguresh.
- Main Puja:
- The Maha Puja is conducted after the abhisheka.
- The idol is dressed in a splendid golden dress and adorned with flowers and garlands in an elaborate Alankaara (decoration) ceremony.
- A grand Maha Naivedya is offered to the deity, which includes a variety of dishes prepared with devotion.
- Devotee Participation:
- Thousands of devotees gather for darshan (viewing) of Shri Yalguresh.
- Prasad (sanctified food) is distributed to all visitors in the temple’s Ugraann (community dining hall).
- Evening Events:
- Devotional music sessions such as Bhajans and Kirtanas are held.
- Notably, Shri Paadigaar, a disciple of the renowned vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, performs on this day every year.
- The atmosphere is spiritually uplifting, and devotees stay awake the entire night in Jaagranna (spiritual vigil).
- The Next Day:
- On the following day, the celebrations continue with another round of Pallaki Seva, Panchamruta Abhisheka, Maha Puja, and Naivedya offerings.
- This day is celebrated as Okalli, marked by a special evening program also named Okalli, filled with cultural and devotional activities.
- Conclusion:
- The festival concludes the next Saturday with the observance of Maree Kartika (Small Kartika), a simpler version of the grand Kartika Utsava.
2. Shri Ram Navmi Utsava
- Duration:
- This festival spans 15 days, starting from Chaitra Month-Yugaadi Pratipada (Gudi Padva) and ending on Poornima (Hanuman Jayanti).
- Daily Activities:
- Tirth Prasad (holy food offerings) is distributed daily to devotees throughout the festival.
- Hanuman Jayanti (Final Day):
- The festival culminates on Hanuman Jayanti, which celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman.
- A special ritual is performed where the idol of Shri Hanuman is placed in a cradle during the morning hours, coinciding with sunrise, symbolizing his birth.
- Devotees participate in special prayers, hymns, and other devotional activities to honor Shri Hanuman.
3. Deepotsava
- Timing:
- The Deepotsava is observed during the Kartik Month, a period considered highly auspicious in the Hindu calendar.
- Daily Ritual:
- Each day of the month, a deepa (lamp) is lit in the temple to signify the removal of darkness and the triumph of light and spirituality.
- Devotees participate in the lighting ceremony, creating a serene and divine ambiance in the temple.
- Laksh Deepotsava:
- On one special day during this month, a group of devotees from Bangalore organizes a grand Laksh Deepotsava (lighting of one lakh lamps).
- A busload of devotees travels from Bangalore to the Devasthaan for this occasion, offering a spectacular display of devotion.
- The temple and its surroundings are illuminated with thousands of lamps, creating a visually stunning and spiritually uplifting environment.
These utsavas not only celebrate the divine presence of Shri Yalguresh but also foster a sense of community, devotion, and cultural richness among the devotees. Each festival is carefully planned and executed by the Yalgur Devasthaan Committee, ensuring participation and spiritual fulfillment for all.