The celebrations will also recognise his decades of contributions to religious service, education, rural development and social welfare.

Dr. Heggade assumed the responsibility of Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala on October 24, 1968, becoming the 21st Dharmadhikari of the sacred Kshetra. The annual anniversary commemorates his investiture and the continuation of Dharmasthala's longstanding traditions of religious and community service.

Special pujas at the temple and basadi

As part of the anniversary celebrations, special pujas are scheduled at the Bhagawan Chandranatha Swamy Basadi and the Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple.

The religious ceremonies form an important part of the observance, bringing devotees and well-wishers to Dharmasthala to offer prayers and extend their greetings to Dr. Heggade.

The Kshetra has been decorated with electric lights and natural decorative materials for the occasion. The temple, basadi, Nelyadi Beedu, Annapoorna dining hall and accommodation facilities have been illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere for devotees and visitors.

The celebrations coincide with the festive season following Navaratri, adding to the number of visitors expected at the pilgrimage centre.

Public programme scheduled for 4 pm

A formal programme is scheduled to begin at 4 pm on October 24. Senior employees of the Kshetra will be honoured during the event in recognition of their service.

Dr. Heggade is also expected to announce new development initiatives during the programme. The announcements are likely to be closely watched by devotees and people associated with Dharmasthala's social welfare and rural development activities.

The anniversary brings together the Kshetra's employees, local residents, devotees, well-wishers and representatives of various organisations to mark the occasion.

Cultural and sporting competitions held

A series of sporting and cultural competitions has been organised over the past two months as part of the anniversary celebrations. The events involved local residents, employees of the Kshetra, members of the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project, schoolchildren and teachers.

The sporting competitions included cricket, badminton, carrom, chess and one-minute games. These activities provided opportunities for participation and interaction among employees, residents and members of the wider community.

Schoolchildren also took part in competitions involving music, drawing, speech, athletics and acting. The events formed part of the broader programme leading up to the anniversary.

A fancy-dress competition was held on October 23 at the Amritavarshini auditorium in Dharmasthala. Participants competed across primary school, high school, junior, senior and super-senior categories, showcasing costumes and performances based on different themes.

Decades of religious and social service

Dr. Heggade's tenure as Dharmadhikari has been associated with a range of religious, educational, healthcare and rural development initiatives. Among the major programmes linked to Dharmasthala are the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP), RUDSETI institutions, community development initiatives and programmes supporting women's empowerment.

Other initiatives include lake rejuvenation, free mass marriages, health and sanitation programmes, yoga and naturopathy, Ayurveda, and campaigns to maintain cleanliness at religious centres.

The Kshetra has also supported educational institutions and cultural activities, including Yakshagana training, research into cultural heritage and the preservation and renovation of temples and basadis.

These activities extend beyond the temple's religious responsibilities and form part of Dharmasthala's wider community development work. The anniversary provides an occasion to reflect on these programmes and the institutions associated with them.

Anniversary marks a longstanding tradition

Dr. Heggade's Pattabhisheka anniversary is an annual occasion for devotees and members of the community to recognise his stewardship of Dharmasthala and the institution's continuing religious and social activities.

The 59th anniversary celebration will combine traditional worship with employee recognition and the announcement of new initiatives. With religious ceremonies, cultural events and public participation, Dharmasthala is preparing to mark the occasion while continuing its established programmes in education, healthcare and rural development.