Sea of devotees throng Chamundi Hills on first Ashada Friday
Thousands of devotees gathered at the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru for the first Ashada Friday. The district administration implemented strict crowd management, including special bus services and the prohibition of private vehicles on the hill.
Why it matters
This event highlights the intersection of religious tourism management and public infrastructure logistics in a major Indian cultural hub.
A sea of devotees thronged Chamundi Hills on the first Ashada Friday to offer prayers at the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple.
The temple was beautifully decorated with flowers for the occasion, while the district administration had made elaborate arrangements to manage the huge influx of devotees from Mysuru and neighbouring districts.
The temple opened for devotees at 5.30 a.m. after the completion of special rituals to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Thousands of devotees began arriving in the early hours to complete darshan before the rush peaked.
As private vehicles were barred from ascending Chamundi Hills during Ashada Fridays, KSRTC operated special buses from a makeshift bus stand at the foothills near the Lalitha Mahal Palace. Devotees started queuing at the bus stand before dawn to reach the temple early. Separate parking facilities were provided at the foothills for private vehicles.
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