February 02, 2026
By Manjunath K. Shresthi
youtube.com/@theflagpost
The annual Sh. Channabasaveshwar Jatra @ Ulavi in Joida taluk Uttara Kannada (UK) district in northwest Karnataka, officially started on January 25 and will conclude on February 05, 2026. The scenic route to Ulavi makes for picturesque views, as it lies in the western ghats. The religious fair (jatra) is attended in huge numbers by the devout members of the Lingayat community in north Karnataka.
The fair is attended by devotees from the nearby districts of Belagavi, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada district and other places. The highlight of the fair is the beautifully decorated bullock carts and tractors moving in groups to Ulavi. They carry all the necessary material that’s required to make the journey. They walk behind the carts with saffron shawls on their heads and around their necks. Some of them can also be seen walking barefoot. And it’s normal for even boys less than 10-years-old, walking with the older boys and others.
The devotees follow old routes & travel via state highway (SH) 28, 34, 46, 93 respectively. Those from Dharwad side travel via Nigadi village on SH 28; and those from Kalghatgi taluk, travel via NH 52 take interior roads via Kirvatti to Bhagwati, Sambrani, Kulgi and converge at Kittur Channamma circle, Dandeli. And some of them are walking via Haliyal and reach Dandeli via Kesarolli/ Karka cross.
From there they cross the Patel circle
and the narrow bridge on river Kali in Dandeli. After reaching Bailpar on the outskirts of Dandeli, they continue their journey via the villages of Pradhani and cross the arch gate towards Ulavi.
A farmer from Mishrikoti in Kalghatgi taluk (Dharwad district), has made news by adorning his two bulls with 30 grams gold and 150 grams silver on their four horns. The pair of bulls have half kgs silver anklets (kada) on each of all their four legs. Reflective stickers on the bulls and the back of the bullock carts have been put for better safety and visibility during the night journey. The cart owners have been advised to take care of their bulls. Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited by all the travellers.
As the road to Ulavi is covered with forests, arrangements for cooking/ eating food made, and they’re covered with sheets at designated places.
The local and the UK district administration has put in bike patrolling by police teams, on the 70 kms route leading to Ulavi. A large number of policemen have been deployed for additional security. On 3rd February, the day of the chariot festival, upwards of 70,000 people will be present at Ulavi. All necessary arrangements for a safe festival have been put in place by the Sh. Channabasaveshwar Trust Committee; the village Panchayat officials,Ulavi and they’re also coordinating with the district administration.
