Bengaluru: Sounds of Nadaswaram filled the air at the 800-year-old Dharamaraya Swamy temple at Nagarathpeta in the city. The temple is getting ready for the last of the 11-day festival, Karaga, which will begin late Tuesday and spill over to early Wednesday.
There was a riot of colours with yellow, white, pink and red coloured flowers adorning the ceiling, pillars and the gopura of the temple. According to temple officials they have procured nearly 1,500 kg of flowers.
The rituals will begin by 5.30 pm. "Bangles will be washed and the priest will be adorned in jewellery and women's clothing. The deity is Draupadi, but the person performing the ritual is male," said Manohar, ex-president of the Temple Committee.
"The entire celebration is aimed at invoking the strength of Goddess Parvati or Shakti Devi, who defeated a demon," he added.
The much awaited procession would begin by midnight. "The poojari and other veera kumaras, will lead the procession carrying the Karaga (deity) on their head the whole night." The police are on high alert as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to visit the venue and roads close to the temple will be closed to traffic.
