A Mass marriage open to all irrespective of caste, creed and faith as part of the annual Suttur Jathra Mahotsava at Suttur Srikshethra in Nanjangud taluk, was inaugurated by Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda this morning. On the occasion, he blessed 162 couples and presented them with saris, panche, thaali (on behalf of the Suttur Mutt) and Rs. 10,000 cash to each couple (on behalf of the State Government). Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji graced the auspicious occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM lauded Suttur Mutt's contributions in the field of education and health and said that the Akshara Dasoha and Gyana Dasoha programmes of the Mutt have been benefitting thousands of students every year.

"I feel spiritually invigorated after visiting Suttur Srikshethra," the CM said and proposed to hold a two-day brain-storming session for his Cabinet colleagues at the Mutt shortly.

The State Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 358 crore for Mysore district and another Rs. 261 crore for Chamarajanagar to provide drinking water facilities, announced Rural Development Minister Jagadish Shettar in Suttur today and added that a sum of Rs. 5 crore for providing UGD facility for Suttur village will be released immediately.

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Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and his wife Dotty Sadananda Gowda inaugurating the mass marriage function as part of Suttur Jathra at Suttur Srikshethra in Nanjangud taluk this morning. From left: Women & Child Welfare Minister C.C. Patil, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister Jagadish Shettar, Suttur Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev Founder, Isha Foundation, Dr. Mahantha Shivacharya Swamiji of Harihara Math, ZP Vice-President Dr. Shivaram, ZP President Sunitha Veerappa Gowda and others look on.

The annual Suttur Jathra, which showcases rural art and culture began at Suttur Srikshetra in Nanjangud Taluk this morning. Kendra Lalitakala Academy Chairman K.R. Subbanna launched the cultural fest by beating nagari. Prajwala Rane, wife of DIG Panduranga Rane, inaugurated the Rangoli contest. Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Adavi Math’s Sri Shivalingendra Swamiji, Marulasiddheswara Math’s Dr. Yateeswara Shivacharya Swamiji and others graced the occasion.

Entire Suttur village was decked up for the grand fest. Social and cultural programmes, mass marriage, cattle fair, bhajan contest, quiz competition, kite flying, dramas and exhibition are some of the main features of the Jatra. Three huge pandals have been erected for the distribution of prasada to devotees.

Kendra Lalitakala Academy Chairman K.R. Subbanna launched the cultural fest by beating nagari in the annual Suttur Jatra, which showcases rural art and culture began at Suttur Srikshetra in Nanjangud Taluk this morning

Click here to view Jathra Festival 2012 Photo Gallery