A spectacular and challenging religious tradition took place in Madanabavi village of Nyamathi taluk in Karnataka’s Davanagere district, where devotees carried heavy palanquins of Beeradevara up a steep rocky hill as part of the annual Mari Banni festival.
The festival, celebrated after the Mysuru Dasara festivities, drew thousands of devotees from Madanabavi, Arabaghatta and surrounding villages. The deity’s palanquins were carried on their shoulders, and those in them carefully climbed the rocky terrain up to the hilltop, where they offered prayers.
The sight of devotees ascending the rugged hill with the heavy palanquins was a sight to behold. The steep route and large rocks demanded great physical work, coordination, and concentration.
According to local reports, devotees from 18 villages participated in the annual celebration, as always.
Devotees Climb Rocky Hill Carrying Heavy Palanquins
One of the most striking moments of the Mari Banni celebration was the procession of Beeradevara palanquins up the rocky hillside. The palanquins were carried on their shoulders by people—where a small mistake could be catastrophic.
In order to keep up with one another and to keep each other balanced while climbing, each person held the other’s hands. The joint effort enabled them to move over the tough terrain and bear the heavy weight of the palanquins.
Climbing requires strength and cooperation. And with the rocky landscape, the climbers had to be on their toes all the way up.
The hard climb has become a distinctive feature of local religious observance, and such is the dedication of those involved in the journey that they are willing to make the extreme effort.
Ten Palanquins Taken to the Hilltop for Prayers
In this year's celebration, devotees reportedly carried 10 deity palanquins up the hill and performed prayers at the top.
Palanquins had arrived from Madanabavi, Arabaghatta, and other neighboring villages to join people from the surrounding rural communities. The procession gave the people a common religious gathering, and so they worked together to climb and perform the rituals.
The sight of multiple palanquins being carried up the rocky slope was a major highlight of the event. The faithful kept going despite the demanding route, demonstrating the importance of the annual celebration to the communities.
The hilltop prayers were an important part of the observance as devotees would pay their respects to the deity and participate in rituals associated with the festival.
Mari Banni Festival Continues After Mysuru Dasara
The Mari Banni festival in Madanabavi is observed after the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. It brings together devotees from various villages for a shared religious event rooted in local tradition.
For Madanabavi, Arabaghatta and the other participating villages, the annual gathering is a way to maintain customary practices and strengthen community connections.
The participation of people from 18 villages highlights the regional significance of the festival. Families and devotees gather to witness the procession, participate in prayers and continue traditions passed down through generations.
Though the celebration is associated with the period after Mysuru Dasara, it has its own local customs and rituals. The palanquin procession up the rocky hill is among its most visually striking features.
Thousands Gather for the Annual Celebration
The festival attracted thousands of people, according to the local report. Devotees and visitors came to see the palanquins being carried up the hill and participate in the religious observances.
The collective effort of carrying the heavy palanquins was a powerful display of faith, endurance and cooperation. Participants relied on one another as they traveled the hard-to-navigate path, and the procession was organized well.
The celebration has once again highlighted the diverse village religious traditions found across Karnataka. Apart from the rituals themselves, the event brought together communities from many villages in a shared expression of devotion.
A Tradition of Faith, Teamwork and Community
The Mari Banni festival in Madanabavi is renowned for its demanding palanquin procession and the participation of devotees from surrounding villages. Carrying the Beeradevara palanquins up the rocky hill requires considerable physical effort and close cooperation, making the climb a defining moment of the festival.
With 10 palanquins taken up the hill for prayers and thousands of people gathering to celebrate the occasion, this year’s observance continued the tradition followed by the local communities.
The festival remains an important example of Karnataka's diverse cultural and religious heritage, bringing together devotion, collective participation and long-standing village customs.
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