Chamarajanagar, July 22, 2013: Chamarajeshwaraswamy ratha yatra was celebrated with grandeur here on Sunday.

The unique chariot festival celebrated in the month of Aashada is considered special for newly married couples.

They are asked to throw two bananas at the rolling chariot. The devotees pulled the decorated car amid the chanting of mantras.

The festival began at 11.45 a.m. and ended at 2 p.m.

It is said that the main ratha was built by Basavaraje Urs who served as a ‘bhakshi’ in Mysore palace in 1835. C. Puttarangashetty, Chamarajanagar MLA, and M.V. Savithri, Deputy Commissioner were present. Folk artistes performed dances to the tunes of ‘kamsale’.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 22, 2013.