Anointment ritual of Lord Bahubali in Dharmasthala ends

: The anointment ritual of the statue of Lord Bahubali in Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada district concluded Monday marking the end of the 10-day 'Mahamastakabhisheka' festival that is held once in 12 years.

The festival, which began on February 9, was attended by thousands of dignitaries and devotees from across the country.

State Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony.

The festival formally ended with the rituals 'Kumkumotsava', 'Kankana Visarjane' and 'Torana Visarjane' Monday evening.

'Kalashas' of different hues were poured over the 39- foot-high statue over the last three days of anointment amid devotional fervour.

Dharmasthala dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade and his family members presided over the anointment ceremony on February 16.

Devotees offered 'janamangala kalasha,' 'divya kalasha' and 'shraddha kalasha' on the idol in the last two days.

The 'kalashas' were brought in a procession after religious rituals were performed, and the rally passed in front of the Sri Manjunatha temple.

Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh and several prominent political and religious leaders participated in the celebrations on the final day.