Hasanamba festival concludes, more than 30 lakh visitors in 12 days

The annual Hasanamba festival, held at the historic temple complex in Karnataka, drew an unprecedented crowd of over thirty lakh devotees and tourists in just twelve days. Pilgrims came from across the state and neighboring regions to participate in rituals, cultural performances, and the famous night market that surrounds the shrine. The surge in attendance reflects a growing interest in religious tourism and the festival's reputation for community celebrations.

Financial reports released by the festival committee show that revenue from ticket sales, food stalls, and souvenir vendors has reached ₹25.60 crore this year, a figure that excludes the contributions made through the hundi, a traditional donation box. Organisers noted that the cash flow from commercial activities has helped fund improvements to the temple grounds, security upgrades, and sanitation facilities that were needed to accommodate the large crowds. The hundi will be opened soon, and the total amount of offerings will be tallied and announced publicly.

Local businesses have reported a noticeable boost in sales, with hotels reporting near full occupancy and transport operators noting higher demand for shuttle services. The influx of visitors has also created temporary employment opportunities for residents, ranging from guide services to food preparation. Authorities expect that the financial success of this edition will encourage further investment in infrastructure and may set a benchmark for future festivals in the region.