Hundreds of devotees scale Deviramma hill for annual jatre in Chikkamagaluru

Hundreds of devotees climbed the Deviramma hill at Mallenahalli near Chikkamagaluru on Saturday to have darshan of the goddess during the annual Bindiga Deviramma jatre. The festival began on Saturday with a procession that moved the utsava murti from the temple at the hill’s base to the shrine on the summit, where it was installed after abhisheka and puja. Pilgrims ascended barefoot along a steep, rocky and thorny path to the pointed peak. Police personnel and Fire and Emergency Services staff were posted at several points to help the climbers, and the district administration coordinated arrangements for a smooth event. Earlier the hill was open only on Naraka Chaturdashi, but rising numbers of pilgrims have led organisers to extend the jatre to two days. Nighttime climbs, previously allowed, have now been banned for safety; climbing is permitted only during daylight on both days. Authorities expect even more devotees to climb on Sunday, and nearby villages such as Bindiga are in a festive mood.

Context

The Bindiga Deviramma jatre is a once‑a‑year event that draws large crowds to a remote hill shrine, reflecting local traditions of pilgrimage and community celebration.