BRAHMAKALASHOTSAVA AT TALACAUVERY;

Madikeri April 19, 2006

The reinstallation of temples of Sree Ganapathy and Agastyeshwara will be held, followed by Brahmakalashotsava at Talacauvery between May 15 and 20.

A press release said that a meeting was held under the chair of MLA, K.G.Bopaiah here and decided the dates. Neeleshwara Tantri would be in charge of the rituals.

The temple rejuvenation committee decided to invite Pontiffs of various Mutts from all over the state during the Brahmakalashotsava.

Honorary president Matanda Monnappa, former minister Suma Vasanth, secretary Rajendra, presidents of different committees, K.S.Devaiah, A.K.S.bhat, T.P.Ramesh,K.J.Bharath, Thammu Poovaiah, H.B.Jayamma, H.T.Anil, S.Sampath Kumar and others were present in the meeting.

'POMMANGALA' AT BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE;

A unique worship 'Pommangala' was held at Puttu Bhagavathy temple at Birunani near Srimangala yesterday.

Families take wow if the child has illness, if the weddings are delayed or if the girl fails to beget a child. If the vows are answered mock wedding would be conducted. The uniqueness of the wedding is that the boy should dress like a bride and the girl like a bridegroom. Usually the children born after the vow are made to take part.

Such weddings were held in houses of many families in the village yesterday and a final worship was offered at the temple.

Picture: Mock wedding held in the village

COUPLE DOUSE THEMSELVES;

A desperate couple attempted in vain to douse themselves to end life, but ended up in a hospital.

According to police a tribe, Chandra and a Malayaly Meenakumari got married eighteen months ago with opposition from their families at Thithimathi in South Kodagu.

Even after marriage, they were forcibly living in separate houses. 17th night both of them stayed at Chandra’s house and set themselves ablaze by pouring kerosene.

As the fate would have it, neighbors heard them screaming and rushed to the house.

KODAGU TO LOSE ONE CONSTITUENCY

Madikeri April 18

Kodagu will lose one assembly constituency as per the proposed decision by the Delimitation committee on the basis of population. The election commission of India earlier had directed the committee headed by Mr. Kuldipsingh, to reform the constituencies on the basis of population. Each constituency must have a minimum of two lakh fifty thousand populations. The decision is based on the 2001 census only.

Accordingly, Kodagu has the population figure of total 5,48,561.Out of which 67,422 are SCs and 46,115 are Sts. The committee has now merged Somwarpet thaluk to Madikeri Constituency. The Virajpet constituency is now comprised of some parts of Madikeri thaluk to balance the required minimum population However; the Virajpet constituency has been lifted out of reservation. In Karnataka total assembly constituencies is maintained at 224 only. But, the number of constituencies are increased in big cities and consequently are reduced in Malnad areas where thin population exists.

The Madikeri constituency has the population of 2,72,478. This includes the newly merged Somwarpet thaluk also. The Virajpet constituency has the total population of 2,76,083.Some parts of Madikeri thaluk is included here.

The political leaders earlier in Malnad areas have requested the election commission to consider area factor in these regions as the population is low compared to cities. But, the commission has rejected the plea clearly stating the single system to be implemented in the whole of a country.

The disparity is so high compared to Malnad areas. For example Utharalli in Bangalore district was the single assembly segment so for. Now according to population calculations the segments is increased to 16 from 1. But in malnad areas although the geographical area is more, the population is less and in many districts the number of constituencies is reduced.

The final decision will be taken at New Delhi on the May 11th during the Delimitation committee members meeting . The advisory Board to the committee from Karnataka includes members like Mr. K.M.Krishna, the assembly speaker, Mr H.D.Devegowda ,the former Prime Minister, Mr. B.S.yediyurappa, the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. P.G.R.Sindhya, the ex. Minister and Mr. Veerabasavana Reddy Mudnal. One month’s time will be given for any public objections before he final announcement-disclosed a source here.