Bantwal: The 22nd annual public Ganeshotsava celebrations at Jakribettu bypass in Bantwal began on August 26, 2025, marked by spiritual discourses, cultural events and a call to preserve India’s cultural heritage. The five-day festival is being held under the honorary presidency of former minister B Ramanath Rai and the leadership of Ballodiguttu Padmashekhar Jain.
Spiritual message and cultural roots
Inaugurating the celebrations, Sri Vikhyatananda Swamiji of Soluru Math voiced concerns over the gradual decline of India’s cultural traditions. He emphasised the need for children’s active participation in religious events, stating that such festivals not only uphold spiritual values but also ensure the survival of cultural roots.
“Events like Jakribettu Ganeshotsava must grow into centenary celebrations with wider involvement of youth, as they symbolise unity, devotion and cultural pride,” the Swamiji said.
Legacy of Ganeshotsava
Former minister B Ramanath Rai recalled the origins of public Ganeshotsava celebrations, attributing them to Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who initiated the practice to foster national unity during the freedom movement. He noted that while many freedom fighters laid down their lives, Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent struggle eventually succeeded in liberating India from British rule.
Rai added that the Jakribettu Ganeshotsava has been evolving each year with diverse programmes and increasing community involvement, reflecting harmony and social bonding.
Organising committee and dignitaries
The event is presided over by B Padmashekhar Jain Ballodiguttu, with vice-presidents Chandraprakash Shetty Tumbe, Pious L Rodrigues, Sampath Kumar Shetty Mundoluguttu, Mohan Chandtimar, general secretary M Rajeev Shetty Edthuru, secretaries N Mahabala Bangera, Baby Kundar, Sudeep Kumar Shetty, treasurer P Praveen Kini, and executive committee members including Balakrishna R Anchan, Chandrashekar Bhandari, and religious council member Devappa Kulal Panjikallu.
Prominent attendees included Ashok Bhandaribettu, Guarantee Implementation Committee taluk president Jayanti V Poojary, and Venkappa Poojary, who lauded the efforts of the organisers in ensuring the continuity of the tradition.
Programmes and community participation
The festival, which runs till August 31, 2025, will include devotional programmes, cultural performances, bhajans, and community gatherings. Organisers stated that this year’s event has been planned to highlight the message of unity and harmony, transcending religious boundaries while promoting cultural heritage.
Preserving tradition for future generations
Speakers at the inauguration emphasised that religious and cultural festivals play an important role in shaping young minds. They urged parents to encourage their children to participate in such events to ensure that values of harmony, devotion and patriotism are passed on to future generations.
Conclusion
With strong participation from devotees and community leaders, the Jakribettu Ganeshotsava has once again emerged as a vibrant celebration of faith and culture in Bantwal. Organisers hope to make it a landmark event in the coming years, expanding its reach and significance across the region.