Local
Kesturu Celebrates 13th Ganeshotsava with Two‑Week Cultural and Community Programme
The village of Kesturu in Tumkur district marks the 13th Ganeshotsava from 14‑27 September 2026 with a series of religious, cultural, sports and agricultural events organized by local groups.
Kesturu village in Tumkur district began its 13th Ganeshotsava on 14 September 2026 with the installation of the Swarnagauri idol, signalling the start of a two‑week programme that blends devotion with cultural, sporting and social activities. The schedule, designed to showcase local talent and foster community spirit, runs daily until 27 September.
The itinerary includes a special bhajan session by senior singers on 15 September, a "Kesturu Fun Fest" and "Nari Sambhrama" for children and women on 16 September, and an evening of devotional music by the Sri Sai Surabhi Women’s Association on 17 September. Agricultural discussions titled "Mannina Maathu" were held on 18 September, followed by a children’s drama performance by the Damarg Rang team on 19 September. Sports events featured a rural volleyball tournament on 20 September, and an evening tribute to line‑men working in the Kora and Chikkattolukere areas.
Educational and religious activities continued with a recitation competition for class‑10 students on 21 September, a special puja for Sri Veerabhadraswamy Jayanti on 22 September, and a cultural evening of songs and plays on 23 September. The programme concluded with a series of bhajan performances, a collective Modak homa and rangoli competition on 25 September, and a final cultural showcase on 26 September where participants displayed dance, music, painting and pottery.
Organisers emphasized that each event is driven by the villagers themselves and called on residents of Kesturu and neighbouring hamlets to attend in large numbers. The closing ceremony on 27 September will feature the ceremonial dismantling of the deity, marking the end of the 13‑day celebration that blends devotion, art, sport, agriculture and community service.
The itinerary includes a special bhajan session by senior singers on 15 September, a "Kesturu Fun Fest" and "Nari Sambhrama" for children and women on 16 September, and an evening of devotional music by the Sri Sai Surabhi Women’s Association on 17 September. Agricultural discussions titled "Mannina Maathu" were held on 18 September, followed by a children’s drama performance by the Damarg Rang team on 19 September. Sports events featured a rural volleyball tournament on 20 September, and an evening tribute to line‑men working in the Kora and Chikkattolukere areas.
Educational and religious activities continued with a recitation competition for class‑10 students on 21 September, a special puja for Sri Veerabhadraswamy Jayanti on 22 September, and a cultural evening of songs and plays on 23 September. The programme concluded with a series of bhajan performances, a collective Modak homa and rangoli competition on 25 September, and a final cultural showcase on 26 September where participants displayed dance, music, painting and pottery.
Organisers emphasized that each event is driven by the villagers themselves and called on residents of Kesturu and neighbouring hamlets to attend in large numbers. The closing ceremony on 27 September will feature the ceremonial dismantling of the deity, marking the end of the 13‑day celebration that blends devotion, art, sport, agriculture and community service.