From Shastra-pujan and the arrival of Nandi to Simollanghan and the symbolic exchange of Apta leaves as gold, Belagavi’s traditional Dussehra continues to preserve the city’s rich cultural heritage. Ranjit Chavan-Patil recounts the significance of the rituals upheld by his family across generations.

Belagavi’s traditional Dussehra is more than a religious celebration. It is a living link to the city’s history, customs and cultural identity. Among its most distinctive rituals is the Shastra-pujan (worship of weapons), performed by the Vatandar Patil family, followed by Simollanghan and the traditional exchange of Apta leaves, regarded as symbolic gold.

Ranjit Chavan-Patil, who has witnessed the celebrations for nearly six decades, offers insights into the traditions that continue to draw devotees and residents every year.

Six decades of witnessing a living tradition

Now 74, Ranjit Chavan-Patil recalls how the Dussehra rituals were observed during his father’s time, when the latter served as the Patil of Belagavi.

In earlier years, the 18 Halbas, hereditary officials associated with the tradition, participated in the festival preparations before his father performed the Shastra-pujan. Following his father’s death, the responsibility passed to his elder brother. Members of the younger generation are now also participating, helping preserve the family’s legacy.

Family bears the cost of preserving the tradition

The Chavan-Patil family continues to shoulder the expenses associated with the traditional celebrations, including arrangements at the Simollanghan grounds, procuring Apta leaves and other preparations.

According to Ranjit Chavan-Patil, family members undertake these responsibilities themselves, without expecting financial assistance from others. Their efforts are driven by a commitment to preserving a tradition handed down through generations.

Palanquins converge at Hutatma Chowk

On the evening of Vijayadashami, the final day of Navratri, palanquins carrying various deities converge at Hutatma Chowk, generally between 5 pm and 6 pm.

The Nandi arrives from the Chavat Galli area, after which the procession proceeds towards the Simollanghan grounds.

As part of the distinctive custom, the Nandi is initially escorted at a slow pace up to Benyon Smith High School. From there, it is brought forward at a run. The approaching Nandi signals the Chavan-Patil family to prepare for the Shastra-pujan.

Traditional sword worship and the Apta leaf ritual

The worship of the traditional sword and the ritual involving the Apta tree are among the key highlights of Belagavi’s Dussehra celebrations.

The Chavan-Patil family’s traditional sword is worshipped near a Shami tree. Following the arrival of the Nandi, the sword is used to strike a branch of the Apta tree as part of the ritual.

Devotees gathered at the grounds then rush to collect the Apta leaves, a custom popularly associated with Sona, or gold. In Hindu tradition, these leaves symbolise gold and prosperity, and people exchange them with friends, relatives and acquaintances as a gesture of goodwill and Dussehra greetings.

The ritual draws large crowds, making it one of the most distinctive sights of Belagavi’s traditional Dussehra.

Sword returns to the family shrine

After the Simollanghan and Shastra-pujan rituals conclude, members of the Chavan-Patil family visit the Aaruti and Lakshmi temples to offer prayers to the goddesses.

They offer Apta leaves to the deities before returning home, where family members perform the Aukshan ritual. The traditional sword used during the worship is then placed in the household shrine.

The annual observance reinforces the family’s connection to its ancestral customs and religious traditions.

A cultural legacy passed down generations

Belagavi’s traditional Dussehra brings together history, faith and community participation through rituals such as Shastra-pujan, the arrival of Nandi, Simollanghan and the exchange of Apta leaves.

The continued involvement of the Vatandar Patil family ensures that these distinctive customs remain part of the city’s cultural heritage. Through the recollections of Ranjit Chavan-Patil, the significance of these rituals and the family’s role in preserving them come into focus, offering younger generations a connection to Belagavi’s past.

Traffic movement has resumed at the Hattargi and Kognoli toll plazas on National Highway 48 (NH-48), while the Hirebagewadi toll plaza remains blocked amid the ongoing sugarcane farmers’ agitation.

According to the latest traffic update, both Hattargi and Kognoli toll plazas are completely open to traffic. However, the blockade at Hirebagewadi continues to affect motorists.

The disruption follows the farmers’ protest demanding a remunerative sugarcane price and other concessions. Farmers have been demanding ₹5,500 per tonne for sugarcane, a minimum selling price of ₹50 per kg for sugar, and an increase in ethanol prices.

The agitation has affected traffic on the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway, a key transport corridor connecting Karnataka and Maharashtra. Motorists travelling between Belagavi, Hubballi, Bengaluru and Pune should check the latest traffic situation before starting their journey.

NH-48 traffic status: Latest update

• Hattargi Toll Plaza: Completely open to traffic.
• Kognoli Toll Plaza: Completely open to traffic.
• Hirebagewadi Toll Plaza: Blocked; use ALternate routes Belagavi to Dharwad
• Belagavi – Khanapur – Ramnagar – Alnavar – Dharwad
  
• Belagavi – Khanapur – Nandgad – Lingasugur Cross – Dharwad

Motorists heading towards Hubballi should account for the continuing disruption at Hirebagewadi and follow instructions issued by local police.

The traffic situation may change depending on the course of the farmers’ agitation. Further updates will be provided as traffic movement is restored.

Traffic has partially resumed on the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) after farmers called off their 28-hour blockade at Hattargi. Currently, one side of the highway is open to traffic, while both sides are expected to be operational by midnight, subject to the situation on the ground.

The farmers have shifted their agitation from the highway blockade to a foot march towards Hubballi, where they plan to protest near the residence of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and draw the Centre’s attention to their demands.

The blockade, which began at around 10 am on Tuesday at Hattargi, disrupted traffic on the busy highway for nearly 28 hours. Commuters and transport operators faced considerable inconvenience, with motorists advised to use alternative routes during the protest.

Farmers shift protest to foot march

The farmers are demanding a sugarcane price of ₹5,500 per tonne, an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar to ₹50 per kg, and higher prices for ethanol. The agitation intensified at Hattargi, Hirebagewadi and Kognoli toll plazas along the Karnataka–Maharashtra border.

Farmer organisations had resorted to blocking the highway after discussions with the Central Government failed to yield a concrete solution to their demands.

With the highway blockade called off, the protesters have decided to continue their agitation through a foot march towards Hubballi. As part of the planned route, the farmers are expected to halt at Kakati and proceed towards Hirebagewadi via Belagavi before continuing towards Hubballi.

Traffic restoration awaited

Although traffic has begun moving on one side of NH-48, the full restoration of traffic on both sides is expected by midnight. Motorists travelling between Pune and Bengaluru should remain alert for possible diversions and congestion as the farmers continue their march.

The end of the highway blockade has eased the immediate disruption, but the farmers’ agitation remains underway, with the protesters seeking action on their demands from the Central Government.

The sugarcane growers’ agitation in Karnataka has intensified, with farmers launching a massive ‘Hubballi Chalo’ foot march from Hattaragi Toll Plaza in Hukkeri taluk of Belagavi district towards Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s residence in Hubballi.

Led by farmer leader Chunappa Pujari, the protesters are marching along one side of the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway 48, raising slogans and demanding a fair price for sugarcane.

The farmers are demanding ₹5,500 per tonne for sugarcane and a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹60 per kg for sugar, along with action on other issues affecting the farming community.

According to reports, the marchers are expected to reach Kakati village in Belagavi taluk by tonight. The foot march marks a further escalation of the agitation after earlier protests and sit-ins failed to secure a resolution to their demands.

The march towards Hubballi is expected to draw attention to the sugarcane pricing issue and mounting discontent among growers. The next course of action will depend on the government’s response to the farmers’ demands.

Traffic on the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway (NH 48) continues to be affected due to the ongoing sugarcane farmers’ protest. The blockade currently extends up to Haveri.

Travellers are advised to avoid NH 48 along the affected stretch and use the alternate routes suggested by the local police.

ALTERNATE ROUTES

1⃣ Satara to Belagavi
Satara – Rehmatpur – Vita – Tasgaon – Miraj – Gokak – Belagavi

2⃣ Satara to Belagavi
Satara – Karad – Islampur – Ashta – Miraj – Kagwad – Gokak – Belagavi

3⃣ Kolhapur to Belagavi
Kolhapur – Rankala – Gadhinglaj – Nesari – Kowad – Uchagaon – Hindalga – Belagavi

4⃣ Belagavi to Dharwad
Belagavi – Khanapur – Ramnagar – Alnavar – Dharwad

5⃣ Belagavi to Dharwad
Belagavi – Khanapur – Nandgad – Lingasugur Cross – Dharwad

6⃣ Gokak route
Gokak – Nippani – Chikkodi – Gokak

7⃣ Gokak route
Gokak – Kamatanur Gate – Hukkeri – Sankeshwar – Gokak

Important: The NH 48 blockade currently extends up to Haveri. Check the latest traffic updates before starting your journey and follow instructions from the police.

Share this information with friends, family and travellers planning to use NH 48.

The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has established 26 designated stray dog feeding zones across 58 wards in Belagavi city, aiming to regulate the feeding of community dogs and address concerns over public safety, hygiene and disputes between residents and animal lovers.

Signboards have been installed at all 26 locations. Representatives of the Belagavi City Corporation, PETA India and Humane World for Animals have inspected the designated feeding sites.

The civic body has also appointed caretakers for these locations. They are responsible for providing food at appropriate times, maintaining cleanliness and managing other related activities at the feeding zones.

According to the announced arrangement, stray dogs are to be fed at the designated locations rather than at other places in the city. The Corporation has indicated that action may be taken against people who feed dogs outside these designated zones.

Where are the stray dog feeding zones in Belagavi?

The following is the list of 26 designated stray dog feeding zones announced by the Belagavi City Corporation.

Complete list of stray dog feeding zones in Belagavi

1. Sunil Niwas Building, Bhagyanagar 6th Cross
2. Azamnagar, towards the Market Yard bus stop
3. Swami Vivekananda Colony, behind Hotel Panchamrut, Tilakwadi
4. Krishna Colony, Bhagyanagar 3rd Cross
5. Bhagyanagar 7th Cross, near the ground
6. Mahindra Showroom, Old Dharwad Road
7. Bharat Petroleum
8. Swagat Hotel, Omanagar
9. Reliance Mall, Shivbasavnagar
10. Taj Garden, Shivbasavnagar
11. RTO Circle
12. Sadashivnagar, 3rd Sector
13. Near Lele Ground, Tilakwadi
14. Near Ganesh Temple, Mandoli Road
15. Ayush Hospital, Chougulewadi
16. Vaccine Depot, Chougulewadi
17. Near Union Bank, 1st Railway Crossing
18. Near Air Force Ground, Chougulewadi
19. Opposite Chougulewadi, 1st Cross, Mandoli Road
20. Near Yash Hospital
21. Plot No. 251, 4th Cross, Rajaram Marg, Chidamnagar
22. Plot No. 106, Mahabaleshwarnagar, behind Hindalga Ganesh Temple
23. Bhagyanagar 6th Cross
24. Sonar Galli, Vadgaon Corner
25. Mahadwar Road, 4th Cross
26. We have missed this as of now

Can you feed stray dogs anywhere in Belagavi?

Under the arrangement announced by the Belagavi City Corporation, feeding stray dogs is to be restricted to the designated feeding zones. Residents and animal lovers are expected to use these locations instead of feeding dogs on roads, footpaths, in crowded public spaces or at other unauthorised locations.

People who regularly feed community dogs should identify the nearest designated zone and follow the Corporation’s instructions. The precise enforcement procedure and applicable penalties should be confirmed with the civic body.

Why has Belagavi Corporation introduced designated dog feeding zones?

Feeding stray dogs in residential areas, on footpaths and near busy roads has often led to disagreements between residents and animal welfare supporters.

Residents may raise concerns about cleanliness, obstruction, dog congregation and public safety, while animal lovers seek to ensure that community dogs receive food and care.

The designated feeding zones are intended to provide identified locations for feeding dogs while helping maintain cleanliness in public spaces and reducing conflicts over where feeding takes place.

Who will maintain the stray dog feeding zones?

The Belagavi City Corporation has appointed caretakers for the designated locations. Their responsibilities include:

• Providing food to community dogs at appropriate times.
• Maintaining cleanliness around the feeding locations.
• Managing related activities at the designated sites.

The effectiveness of the arrangement will depend on regular maintenance, public cooperation and monitoring by the civic authorities.

Will the designated feeding zones solve Belagavi’s stray dog problem?

The creation of feeding zones is one measure to regulate where community dogs are fed. However, it should not be viewed as a complete solution to the city’s stray dog-related concerns.

Long-term management also requires coordinated action on animal birth control, anti-rabies vaccination, responsible waste disposal, public awareness and compliance with applicable animal welfare rules.

The implementation of the feeding-zone arrangement, including maintenance and enforcement, will determine how effectively it addresses residents’ concerns while safeguarding community dogs.

What should residents do if they cannot find a nearby feeding zone?

Residents who need clarification about the nearest designated feeding location, the caretaker responsible for a site or the rules governing dog feeding should contact the Belagavi City Corporation for updated information.

The Corporation should also make the complete list of feeding zones publicly accessible so residents, animal welfare volunteers and neighbourhood associations can identify the designated locations easily.

Key information at a glance

• Civic authority: Belagavi City Corporation
• City: Belagavi, Karnataka
• Designated feeding zones announced: 26
• Wards covered by the announcement: 58
• Signboards: Installed at designated locations
• Caretakers: Appointed for the sites
• Animal welfare organisations involved in inspection: PETA India and Humane World for Animals

The designated stray dog feeding zones are intended to create a more organised system for feeding community dogs in Belagavi. Residents and animal welfare supporters will be watching how the Corporation implements and maintains the arrangement across the city.

Belagavi: Sugarcane farmers continued their agitation for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, October 14, blocking the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway at multiple locations and disrupting traffic across parts of Karnataka. The protests have affected movement along the Haveri-to-Kognoli stretch, with farmers staging demonstrations at several toll plazas to demand a remunerative price for sugarcane.

The agitation intensified on Tuesday after talks between farmers’ representatives and Union ministers in New Delhi failed to produce a breakthrough. Farmers’ organisations had subsequently called for a statewide protest, warning that the blockade would continue until the Centre addressed their demands.

In Belagavi district, hundreds of farmers gathered at the Hattargi toll plaza in Hukkeri taluk and blocked the highway. Similar protests were reported at the Hirebagewadi and Kognoli toll plazas, along with other locations across Karnataka, including Bagalkot, Vijayapura and Hubballi-Dharwad.

On Tuesday, October 13, farmers’ organisations in Belagavi declared that they would not withdraw the agitation unless Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi gave a concrete assurance that the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar would be revised within a week.

Representatives of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Hasiru Sene, Kabbu Belegarara Okkoota and Samyukta Kisan Morcha said they would remain at the protest sites until the Union minister communicated a clear assurance.

The organisations maintained that they would not accept vague assurances and insisted on a definite commitment from the Centre.

Police announce alternative routes

With the blockade continuing, police have arranged traffic diversions for vehicles travelling between Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. Motorists have been advised to use the following alternative routes:

Alternative routes for traffic towards Belagavi:

1. Dharwad–Alnavar–Ramnagar–Khanapur–Belagavi
2. Dharwad–Lingasugur Cross–Nandgad–Khanapur–Belagavi
3. Kittur–Bidi–Nandgad–Khanapur–Belagavi
4. Dharwad–Kittur–M.K. Hubballi–Pariswad–Khanapur–Belagavi

Alternative routes for light motor vehicles:

• Gokak–Nippani–Chikkodi
• Gokak–Kamatanur Gate–Hukkeri–Sankeshwar

Motorists travelling towards Belagavi from Yaragatti have also been advised to take the Yaragatti–Bagalkot or Yaragatti–Vijayapura routes, as indicated in the police advisory.

With farmers refusing to call off the agitation until a concrete assurance is given, traffic movement on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway is likely to remain affected until the blockade is lifted.

Heavy and light vehicles diverted through alternative roads as farmers plan protests at Hattaragi and Hire Bagewadi toll plazas

Belagavi: The Belagavi Superintendent of Police has issued traffic advisories announcing alternate routes for heavy and light vehicles in view of the farmers’ planned blockade at the Hattaragi and Hire Bagewadi toll plazas on the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway on Tuesday, October 13.

The diversions have been announced to regulate traffic and minimise inconvenience to motorists during the protest, which follows the failure of talks between farmers’ leaders and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi over demands for higher sugar and sugarcane prices.

Alternate routes for heavy vehicles

According to the police advisory, heavy vehicles travelling towards Belagavi can use the following routes:

– Route 1: Dharwad – Alnavar – Ramnagar – Khanapur – Belagavi.
– Route 2: Dharwad – Lingasugur Cross – Nandgad – Khanapur – Belagavi.

– Route 3: Kittur – Bidi – Nandgad – Khanapur – Belagavi.
– Route 4: Dharwad – Kittur – M. K. Hubballi – Pariswad – Khanapur – Belagavi.

Alternate routes for light motor vehicles

The police have also specified separate diversions for light motor vehicles:

– Route 1: Gokak – Nippani – Chikkodi – Gokak.
– Route 2: Gokak – Kamatanur Gate – Hukkeri – Sankeshwar – Gokak.

Motorists travelling towards Belagavi from Yaragatti have also been advised to use the Yaragatti – Bagalkot/Vijayapura route, as indicated in the police advisory.

Traffic advisory for commuters

The police have urged motorists to follow the prescribed diversions, cooperate with traffic personnel and exercise caution while travelling. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional time for travel.

The diversions come as farmers’ organisations prepare to resume their agitation after Monday’s discussions with the Union Minister failed to produce an agreement on their demands.

https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/farmers-to-block-hattaragi-hire-bagewadi-toll-plazas-on-october-13talks-with-union-minister-fail/ 

Farmers’ organisations will block the Hattaragi and Hire Bagewadi toll plazas on the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway on Tuesday, October 13, after talks with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi failed to resolve their demands in New Delhi on Monday.

The protest will be part of the ongoing agitation by sugarcane growers seeking higher prices for sugar and sugarcane. Farmers’ leaders have also announced plans for a statewide protest next month.

Chunappa Pujeri, a leader of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), said more than 100 representatives of the KRRS, Hasiru Sene, Kabbu Belegarara Okkoota and other farmers’ organisations travelled to New Delhi to participate in discussions with Joshi.
The delegation demanded an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugar and the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane. However, the talks ended without an agreement, Pujeri said.
He said farmers had highlighted the sharp rise in agricultural input costs over the years, while the MSP for sugar had remained unchanged for nine years. According to Pujeri, the minister sought at least a month to arrive at a decision on the issue.

Criticising the delay, Pujeri questioned why the government could revise fuel prices quickly but required a month to consider farmers’ demands.
He also alleged that the meeting was an attempt to delay the farmers’ agitation rather than resolve their concerns.
Another key demand was the introduction of differential pricing for sugar, allowing sugar factories to sell sugar to industrial consumers at higher rates. The proposal was not accepted during the discussions, he said.

“We have been fighting for our livelihood and remunerative prices for sugarcane for the past four months. The Union government has remained insensitive to our grievances. It has become clear to us that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi are against farmers’ interests,” Pujeri said.
Other demands
The farmers’ organisations are also demanding that:
Sugar factories begin the crushing season within a week.
All pending dues to sugarcane growers be cleared.
Farmers receive an assurance of higher prices than last year.
Sugarcane and maize farmers receive a higher share of the profits from ethanol sales.

With Monday’s talks ending without a breakthrough, farmers’ organisations have decided to resume their agitation with the blockade of the Hattaragi and Hire Bagewadi toll plazas on Tuesday.
Clarify the October 13 weekday
Use legally cautious protest wording
Fix the sugar MSP explanation

BJP state vice-president Anil Benake has alleged that Belagavi North constituency has more than 10,000 bogus voters and accused officials of refusing to accept Form 7 objections filed by party workers against entries in the electoral roll.

Speaking at the BJP’s Jagannath Bhavan office in Bengaluru on October 12, Benake said he would meet the Deputy Commissioner on October 13 to submit complaints regarding the alleged refusal to accept the objections.

Benake claimed that 389 voters were registered at a single house in the constituency. He also alleged that 20 voter names were listed at another house and 15 at a third location, citing specific ward and polling booth details.

The allegations have not been independently verified.

BJP alleges intimidation over Form 7 objections

Benake alleged that BJP workers were being intimidated while attempting to submit Form 7 applications seeking the deletion of names from the electoral roll.

According to him, party workers had submitted 10 forms each at several polling booths across different constituencies. He maintained that BJP booth-level agents would continue raising objections despite the alleged threats.

He further claimed that forms had been snatched from party workers and that they had been told they could not submit Form 7 applications.

Benake alleged that cases were being registered against members of his group, claiming that three people from his side and 20 others were facing police action. He said those named in an FIR had approached the court seeking anticipatory bail.

He also alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were reluctant to accept applications because of the fear of police cases. According to Benake, assistant electoral registration officers had threatened to suspend BLOs who accepted Form 7 objections.

He specifically claimed that objections relating to polling booths 196 and 197 were not being accepted. In some instances, he alleged, information had not been provided despite applications being filed and the prescribed fees being paid.

Seeks verification of voter entries

Benake said the BJP had sought an inquiry into voter entries involving deceased persons, individuals who no longer resided at the listed addresses and voters whose names allegedly appeared at more than one location.

The party has called for these entries to be verified and for names found to be ineligible to be removed in accordance with the applicable electoral rules.

He alleged that police action against BJP workers had intensified following instructions from the Chief Minister to register FIRs, making it difficult for the party to submit objections.

Questioning what he described as a double standard, Benake referred to the Chief Minister and the Congress state president protesting in Delhi and asked why the BJP’s objections to electoral roll entries were allegedly not being accepted at the local level.

The BJP leader said he would raise these concerns with the Deputy Commissioner on October 13.

The allegations concerning bogus voters, intimidation and the rejection of Form 7 applications remain claims made by Benake and require verification by the election authorities.