Karnataka is preparing to bid a final farewell to Chennamma Devegowda, the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, on July 20. The funeral will take place at Kyathanahalli village near the foothills of Sri Ranganathaswamy Hill in Mavinakere in Holenarasipura taluk of Hassan district. As so many dignitaries, political leaders, supporters and people from the public will be there, the district administration has made some arrangements and declared a holiday for educational institutions in the taluk.
Hassan Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari has declared a holiday for all Anganwadi centres, primary schools, high schools and colleges in Holenarasipura taluk on Monday, July 20. This step was made as a precautionary measure to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure the smooth flow of people attending the funeral. Thousands of mourners are expected to attend, and so crowd management is the top priority.
Chennamma Devegowda’s funeral will be attended by politicians from all over Karnataka and the country. As the spouse of a former Prime Minister and a member of one of the most influential political families in Karnataka, her death has galvanised the political forces across party lines.
Apart from the educational holiday, traders in Holenarasipura have decided to voluntarily shut down their shops and businesses on July 20 as a mark of respect. The city is expected to be essentially shut down all day as many residents feel very connected to the Deve Gowda family. Business associations have encouraged their members to be part of the tribute by stopping their business activities during the funeral process.
Authorities have also restricted the sale of alcohol in the district. Alcohol sales have been prohibited on Sunday and Monday to ensure that law and order are maintained and that the mood of the event is as peaceful as possible. These measures are steps to make sure that the funeral is organised and respectful.
The public and dignitaries are expected to pay their last respects. Chennamma Devegowda’s remains will be exhibited for public viewing on Monday morning. People are allowed to pay their last respects between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM. After public viewing, the body will be taken to Kyathanahalli village, where it is expected to arrive around 11:30 AM.
The final rites will be performed between 2:00 PM and 4:15 PM according to Vastu principles and traditional Vokkaliga customs. Priests Kannan Sharma, Mahesh Sharma and Narasimhaswamy will conduct the religious ceremonies and last rites. The family members, relatives, political leaders and thousands of supporters will be present at the ceremony.
Security arrangements have been strengthened considerably around Holenarasipura. Chennamma Devegowda's body will be taken to the residence of H.D. Revanna for public viewing. There’s been tight security around the residence, and bomb disposal teams and dog squads have already done thorough inspections of the area.
More than 2,000 police personnel have been deployed under the supervision of five Superintendents of Police (SPs) to manage security and crowd control. In addition, five helipads have been set up where VIPs, including politicians and dignitaries who are expected to attend the funeral, can be transported.
Hassan district is anticipated to have one of its biggest public gatherings in recent years, with large crowds and state honours to honour Chennamma Devegowda, which Karnataka will be holding as it pays tribute to her.
