K'taka: Datta Jayanti begins at Bababudangiri hills

Chickmagalur, Dec 21: The three-day Datta Jayanthi celebrations began on a peaceful note at the controversial Bababudanagiri hill in Chickmagalur district.

Large number of devotees and activists of pro Hindu organisations like Sri Rama Sena, the Sangh parivar and BJP workers thronged the picturisque cave shrine in this hilly district and offered their prayers amidst the tight security. The situation was peaceful, police said. The district administration had allowed conditional Datta Jayanthi celebrations including darshan of Datta Paduke, inside the cave.

It had also allowed Shobha yathra but refused to give permission to conduct any Homa and other related religious rituals at the shrine to Hindu organisations.

The cave shrine houses both a Hindu shrine and some Muslim tombs.

UNI