Thousands of devotees converged on the Renukamba temple in Chandragutti on Saturday to mark Banada Hunnime, the forest full moon festival. Pilgrims travelled from districts across the state to take part in special rituals and offerings, creating a vibrant atmosphere in and around the temple grounds from the early morning.
Renukamba festival Karnataka draws thousands
The celebrations saw long queues of worshippers lining the temple precincts, with many carrying the idol of the goddess on their heads and chanting traditional invocations as they climbed the temple steps. Devotees raised cries of devotion, with calls of “Renuka Yellamma, you give us blessings” echoing across the hillside.
Women formed a prominent part of the pilgrimage. In keeping with local custom, many arrived wearing fresh green leaves and bearing baskets filled with offerings. The Banada Hunnime occasion is popularly associated with the festival of married women and those who observe the ritual of offering to the goddess; this year thousands of female devotees participated with song and colour.
Inside the temple complex, priests performed special pujas to the principal deity and the family deities located in the precincts, including Kaalabhairava, Naga deities, Matangi, Parashurama and Trishula Bhairappa. Devotees prepared and presented a range of traditional naivedyas, which were later shared in community meals with relatives and fellow worshippers.
A highlight of the day was the palanquin procession of Sri Renukamba, which set off from the temple amid a full complement of local bands and percussion ensembles. The procession traversed the main streets of the village and drew enthusiastic participation from residents and visitors alike.
Devotees also observed customary penances along the route, performing prostrations on the road to fulfil vows and seek blessings. Local tradition holds that the goddess observes a period of widowhood for one month following the full moon; followers presented customary offerings such as green foliage, cotton and ritual baskets accordingly.
The festival attracted pilgrims from Shivamogga as well as Haveri, Dharwad, Belagavi, Davanagere, Raichur and Chitradurga districts, along with visitors from northern Karnataka and the Bayalu Seeme plains. Given the heavy turnout, police deployed tight security and crowd-management measures to ensure public safety and smooth movement.
Organisers said the festival continues to play an important role in sustaining local traditions and community bonds. For many devotees the ritual visit to Chandragutti is both a religious obligation and an opportunity for social reunion, reinforcing ties across villages and districts.
Local officials and temple managers recorded the event as peaceful and well attended, with devotees returning home after offerings and communal meals. The day-long festivities showcased the local culture of devotion and the enduring appeal of temple festivals in rural Karnataka.
Key Takeaways:
- Thousands of devotees from across Karnataka flocked to the Renukamba temple for the Banada Hunnime celebrations.
- Women devotees led traditional rites, offering fresh green leaves and ceremonial baskets as part of the Renukamba festival Karnataka.
- A grand palanquin procession and special worship of family deities marked the day, with tight police arrangements ensuring crowd safety.
