Haveri (Karnataka): It is common to celebrate Urus in villages where there are Muslim families. Similarly, in the villages where there are Hindus and Muslims, people of both religions can be seen celebrating Urus together. But it is indeed unique and special to celebrate Urus in a village where there are no Muslims and only Hindus. This unique scene is seen at Konanatambige village in the Haveri district of Karnataka.
This first-of-its-kind Urus started on Sunday and will last for 5 days till Thursday. On the outskirts of the village, the Urus of God of Yamanur is celebrated by the Hindus in the village with pomp and gaiety. As part of the Urus festival, a procession of the God of Yamanur Rajabhaksha idol is also held. The Urus begins by offering a special pooja to Rajabhaksha on the banks of the Varada river near Konanatambige village.
The procession starts with worshipping the Rajabhaksha with Hindu-Muslim harmony. Starting from the river bank, the procession moved through the main streets of the village. Hundreds of women and men worshipped as the procession passed by. It is the belief of the villagers that if you bow down to the god in this way, all your wishes will be fulfilled.
The idol of Rajabhaksha, brought in the procession, is installed in a house in the village. After bathing in the river Varada, devotees buy various items including sugar, salt, and oil from the shops set up as part of the Urus and offer them to god Rajabhaksha. Farmers' families also offer vegetables and grains grown in their fields.