After 24-year hiatus, Veerabhadraswamy Jatre opens with Agni Konda Mahotsava

Mandya: A wave of celebration has swept through Alakere village in Keragodu Hobli as the revered Veerabhadraswamy Jatre returns after a 24-year hiatus. The festival, anchored by the Agni Konda Mahotsava (sacred fire ritual), began on May 5 and is drawing thousands of devotees from across the region.

On Tuesday, devotional rituals, including Bandi Utsava, lighting of the ‘konda', and the ceremonial installation of the deity were held.

The festival, rich in tradition, is being held with elaborate preparations by the community. Massive wooden platforms, decorative towers, and sacred fire pits have been constructed within the Veerabhadreshwara temple premises, where rituals are being performed with unwavering devotion.

Residents of Alakere and neighbouring Keelara village have jointly revived this tradition after more than two decades. The two villages have worked in harmony—Keelara supplied the wood, Alakere oversaw the Konda Utsava and chariot-pulling, while Keelara took charge of tying the ceremonial bulls. For the past five months, meticulous planning has gone into every aspect of the festival. Houses have been cleaned and decorated with lime and colours, while families have abstained from meat as part of spiritual observance. Every step is in accordance with age-old customs, villagers said.

The festival was last held in 2001, with previous editions held in 1967 and 1982. In the past ten days alone, strict fasting and ritualistic disciplines have been observed—prohibiting the use of tempering of food (oggarane), burning chillies, or consuming non-vegetarian food.

The fire ritual features a sacred ‘konda' structure, made using branches of eucalyptus, banyan, neem, mango, jackfruit, and other trees. A single sacred branch is cut only within Alakere's temple jurisdiction. A wooden platform spanning 72 feet by 15 feet, and a 24-foot-tall tower, were constructed for the ceremony. The fire ritual, including the burning of konda, was held on Tuesday and notable participants crossing the fire include Veeragase dancers, Alakere's Renukaswamy, and priest Kantheesh Kumar, who will lead the central fire ritual early on Wednesday morning. 100 tons of firewood were used for the ‘agni' bonfire.

MLA P Ravikumar has extended support, including infrastructure upgrades like road improvements to accommodate the expected surge in people.

On Wednesday, the Veerabhadreshwara Swamy idol will be taken in a grand procession to Keelara village, and on Thursday, a community feast will be served in Alakere. The event will conclude with the rathotsava (chariot festival) of Veerabhadreshwara Swamy.