Chikkamagaluru: Thousands of devotees marched towards the hill top barefoot braving tough weather and terrain conditions to take a glimpse of deity Deviramma during the annual fair at the temple in Bindiga-Mallenahalli village.
Special pooja was offered to Goddess Deviramma on October 18 as part of the annual festivities.
Devotees walked 8 kms climbing Deviramma Betta located on Chandradrona hill ranges at about 3000 feet height to celebrate the annual Deepotsava on barefoot without food and surged ahead to fulfil the vows.
More than 50,000 people climbed the Deviramma Betta as part of the annual Deepotsava and the actual figures are bound to swell further.
From children to the 70-year old veterans, people from all age groups climbed the hill. Though there was a huge rush, it did not pose any threat to the devotees’ energy.
Majority of the devotees who climbed the hill were young women. They usually climb the hill in empty stomach and have food only after climbing down.
Devotees carry items like bangles, ghee, clothes and offer it to the deity to fulfil their vows. Some carry fire wood and all light diyas in their homes on their return to celebrate Deepavali.
As part of the Deepotsava, there will be Mahaganapathi Pooja, Punyaha, Agnikunda Pooja, Kalasa Sthapane and Kumkumarchane at the temple atop the hill.
Some devotees sought better amenities from the district administration to reach the hill top.
