Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley seeking release ₹500 crore to the State for organising Gomateshwara Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava at Shravanabelagola in February 2018.
In his letter, the Chief Minister has said that the grant would be used judiciously to create temporary and permanent infrastructure such as roads, water supply, shelters, and temporary accommodation for devotees, dignitaries and tourists thronging the place during and after the event that is held once in 12 years.
“Jains and non-Jains from all over the world throng Shravanabelagola during the festival. The government of Karnataka, with support from the Union government will make all efforts to make this international event an experience of delight for pilgrims,” the letter said.
“The Union government has always accorded top priority to this site of cultural heritage and unconditionally supported Karnataka to preserve and promote the heritage of Shravanabelagola. In the last edition of Mahamasthakabhisheka held in February 2006, the Union government (through the then Planning Commission) had released ₹90 crore.”
