Those who cannot visit Shravanabelagola during the Mahamastakabhisheka, the anointment of Gomateshwara statue atop the Vindhyagiri, can watch the proceedings on the hilltop live, thanks to technology.
The Hassan district administration is making preparations to livestream the ‘holy bath’ of the statue in virtual reality (VR) format. All over the world, people can watch the spectacular Mahamastakabhisheka, to be held in February 2018, live with the help of VR glasses or smartphones.
Usually the event held once in 12 years attracts lakhs of people. Even after reaching the place, only a few thousand people get a chance to enter the visitors’ gallery atop the Vindhyagiri to witness religious programmes, particularly, the anointment of the statue. Many miss the opportunity if they fail to climb up over 600 steps to reach the hilltop.
Rohini Sindhuri, Deputy Commissioner of Hassan, told The Hindu: “People with a smartphone or VR glass can see Mahamastakabhisheka live from anywhere.” People can watch it by scanning the specific QR code to be made known widely during the event. The administration has also decided to distribute VR glasses to the public. “We are planning to distribute 10 lakh VR glasses so that a large number of people have the experience,” the DC said.
The administration is in consultation with a few private firms interested to join hands to make this exercise successful. The BSNL has been appealed to upgrade Internet connectivity atop the Vindhyagiri.
“A few private companies have shown interest to spend money earmarked for their corporate social responsibility activities for this exercise,” said B.N. Varaprasad Reddy, Special Officer (Mahamastakabhisheka). The livestream would be available for seven days from February 17, when the anointment starts.
“We will livestream a 360-degree view of the proceedings. People watching the proceedings at home will feel like they are witnessing the event personally,” he added.
