Religious Fervor Marks Annual Huligemma Devi Chariot Festival in Koppal

The annual Rathotsava, or chariot festival, of Sri Huligemma Devi was celebrated with significant religious enthusiasm at the pilgrimage center in Huligi village, located in the Koppal taluk of Karnataka. The event commenced during auspicious hours at approximately 5:30 p.m., drawing a massive crowd of devotees from Koppal and neighboring districts such as Vijayanagara, Ballari, Gadag, and Raichur. Participants gathered to witness the grand procession, where a decorated chariot carrying the idol of Goddess Huligemma was pulled through traditional routes to Padagatte before returning to its origin. The atmosphere was charged with devotional chants and slogans of "Udo Udo Huligemma." Prominent political figures, including Koppal Lok Sabha member Rajashekhar Hitnal, MLC Hemalatha Nayak, and former MP Sanganna Karadi, attended the ceremony to offer special prayers. To ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, elaborate security measures were implemented under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi. The event also saw the participation of members from the Sri Huligemma Development Authority, local gram panchayat officials, and spiritual leaders, highlighting the community's deep devotion and the event's cultural significance in the region.