Festivals of Hassan
The ancient town of Hassan was once under the Maurya rule. It is a revered pilgrimage centre for Jains all over the world as they travel to nearby Shravanabelagola which is home to the imposing monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali. The statue which is erected on the Indragiri hills stands 17m tall and was installed in AD 988 by Chavundarya. The sacred festival of Mahamastakabhisheka is held every 12 years when the entire town of Hassan gathers here along with other devotees. The imposing statue of Lord Bahubali is bathed in milk, juice from sugarcane and saffron paste. The devotees offer flowers and sandalwood and turmeric powder. At the end of the ceremony the statue of Lord Bahubali is showered with flowers from a helicopter which remains a spectacular sight in itself.
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