The annual Banada Hunnime fair at the revered Renuka Yallamma Temple in Savadatti is witnessing an unprecedented surge of devotion, drawing lakhs of pilgrims from across Karnataka and Maharashtra. The temple, located atop Yallammana Gudda, has seen massive footfall over the past week, with Saturday marking the peak of the spiritual gathering. The fair, which commenced four days ago, shows no signs of slowing down as devotees continue to arrive in large numbers for the darshan of Goddess Yallamma.
Transport Corporation Rises to the Occasion
To manage the colossal influx and ensure smooth pilgrimage, the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) has sprung into action. The corporation has deployed a large fleet of special buses from various locations. On January 3, which was the main Hunnime fair day, 61 additional buses operated from Belagavi to Yallammana Gudda. This was followed by 50 extra buses the next day. Even as the rush slightly eased, 15 additional buses were pressed into service on Tuesday from Belagavi. Despite a reduction in special services, the steady stream of devotees continues. For easier last-mile connectivity, a free mini-bus service is being run from Ugaragola to the temple premises.
Meticulous Arrangements for Safety and Comfort
Temple authorities and district administration have left no stone unturned in ensuring a safe and organized event. The police department has taken stringent steps to manage the heavy traffic on the hilly routes. On the first day alone, over 1,000 police personnel were deployed along the pilgrimage path. A strict drive against haphazard parking has been initiated, with illegally parked vehicles being towed away. These measures have resulted in significantly fewer traffic snarls compared to previous years.
Adding to the comfort of the pilgrims, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) distributed free buttermilk to thousands of devotees, providing much-needed respite. In a heartwarming display of community support, local farmers along the route have opened their borewells, offering free water for devotees to bathe and wash their livestock.
A Month-Long Spiritual Celebration
The Hunnime Fair at Savadatti's Yallamma Gudda is a month-long celebration, and the current fervor indicates that the sacred site will remain a hub of spiritual activity. The coordinated efforts of the transport department, police, temple trust, and local communities have created an environment where faith can be expressed smoothly and safely. With essential services in place and crowd control mechanisms working effectively, the fair stands as a testament to both deep-rooted devotion and efficient public management.
