DC Shreeroopa reviews preparations for Shivarathri Jatra at MM Hills

DC Shreeroopa inspects Shivarathri Jatra preparations at MM Hills, ensuring safety and logistics for thousands of expected pilgrims.

Deputy Commissioner of Chamarajanagar district Shreeroopa, who reviewed preparations for the five-day-long Shivarathri Jatra to be held at Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills, visited Basavanakadu area on Saturday (February 7, 2026) to oversee arrangements for the crossing of Cauvery river by the pilgrims.

A large number of devotees from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are expected to reach MM Hills on a padayatra for the Jatra, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 18.

Ms. Shreeroopa and other officials, including Superintendent of Chamarajanagar district police M. Muthuraj, who visited MM Hills to inspect the preparations, reviewed the safety and logistical arrangements along the traditional pilgrimage route.

According to an official statement, the pilgrims will travell via Kanakapura–Ramanagara–Channapatna–Magadi belt, cross the Cauvery River at Sangama, reach Basavanakadu, and proceed through forest stretches covering Ellemala, Shagya, Halagapura, Thomiyarpalya, and D.M. Samudra before reaching the Male Mahadeshwara Temple in Hanur taluk.

With release of water from KRS reservoir presently reduced, instructions were given by the officials to deploy additional personnel at river-crossing points to ensure pilgrim safety.

The Forest Department has been directed to deploy additional patrol teams in forest areas to ensure the safety of pilgrims undertaking the padayatra or journey by foot. Pilgrims have been requested to travel through forest areas only during daylight hours.