On this occasion, ‘Jatra bhiksha’ programme is organised on Monday in which Sri Shivakumar Swamiji will seek donations from devotees. The bhiksha procession will start from APMC yard.

Jatra bhiksha is a tradition followed every year on the eve of Siddalingeshwara jatra. Thousands of devotees including traders and industrialists give donations to Swamiji which will be utilised for serving meals to poor people, for the welfare of cattle taking part in the cattle fair and other benevolent purposes.

Jatra will begin with the Gosala Siddeshwara Swamy Utsav on February 28. The ‘Shoonya Simhasana Utsav’ is the speciality of the day for which a silver chariot is used. Sri Swamiji started Shoonya Simhasana utsav three years ago to send across the message among devotees that the power and positions we all assume in this world are only temporary. What is important in life is to be humble, modest and service minded so as to attain permanent happiness.

Siddaganga Rathotsava will be held on March 6, the day after Mahashivaratri. The jatra, beginning
from February 28 will conclude on March 9 with Teppotsava.