BENGALURU: Harvest Festival Makara Sankranthi was celebrated across the city on Saturday with people distributing ellu bella (a mix of sesame seed and jiggery) and thronging temples.
The historic 15th century cave temple, Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple, was the centre of attraction with thousands of devotees gathering to witness the passage of sun's rays from its windows and falling exactly on the Shivalinga, which happens only on Sankranthi.
As part of Sankranthi people worshipped cows and bulls. Those owning cattle bathe them, paint their horns and decorate them with garlands. In the evening they were made to jump over fire and the main event was held at Malleswaram grounds.
No impact of note ban
Contrary to the expectations demonetisation had no impact on Sankaranthi festivities. According to the city residents ATMs and banks were dispensing cash.
“Many ATMs are now dispensing Rs 500 and Rs 100 notes. So there was no problem for the celebrations,” said Girigowda, a resident of Rajajinagar.
No price rise
Much to the relief of the general public, this year's Makara Sankranthi was devoid of any rise in prices of festival items, such as flowers and sugarcane. “Maybe it is the positive impact of demonetisation,” said Shyam Sundar, a trader from Malleswaram.
