Tributes were paid to the 12th century reformer Basaveshwara on the occasion of his 884th birth anniversary here on Saturday.
An attractive procession carrying a huge portrait of Lord Basaveshwara, folk dance, display of Vachanas, special talks and felicitation programmes marked the celebrations.
The district administration in association with Murughamath conducted the Basava Jayanti programme on the Ulavi Channabasaveshwar temple premises. Minister in-charge of the district Vinay Kulkarni flagged off the procession which went through the main streets of the city and culminated at the Kadapa Maidan Grounds. A huge portrait of Lord Basaveshwara was taken out in the procession. Dollu Kunita artistes, Majalu, Janz, Keelu Kunita and a pair of decorated bullocks led the procession.
Later, at a public function on the Murughamath premises Mr. Kulkarni said that the messages of Basaveshwara are more relevant in the recent times when people are fighting over caste. The Mahamane concept, which had no space for gender discrimination and no caste supremacy during the time of Basaveshwara, should be re-introduced in society. The Constitution too has incorporated the message of Lord Basaveshwara and has propagated equality. The need of the hour is to create a casteless society, he said.
Basaveshwara was not merely a philosopher but also an economist and guided society on striking a balance between people of all classes. His messages if implemented in real life, will help remove agony, jealousy and greediness in people, he added.
At a function held at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Kulkarni released a picture of Basaveshwara officially endorsed by the State government. Various organisations, educational institutions, voluntary forums, religious institutions and others also celebrated Basava Jayanti.
Bike rallies
Bidar Special Correspondent writes:
Youth took out bike rallies and folk artistes performed along a procession around town to mark Basava Jayanti on Saturday. Statues of Basaveshwara were cleaned, decorated and garlanded.
Ashok Sangappa Alur, special officer, University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot, spoke on the life and contribution of Lord Basaveshwara.
