Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Apr 11: The fifth and final day of ''Chendu'', a special feature of the annual festival of Goddess Rajarajeshwari Temple, Polali here, was played with high spirits on Thursday April 10. The ''Chendu'' begins seven days prior to the ‘Avabhruta’ day, and is played for five days.

Chendu (football match) is a popular sport played during the annual festivities of the Polali temple.  Originally it was held for a duration of three days. In 1686, Rani Chennamma was impressed by it that she wanted it extended by two more days. The contest is mainly between Amunje and Manel villages. 

The five-day ''Chendu'' festivities include Kumara Teru, Hoo Teru, Soorya Mandala, Chandra Mandala, and Pallakki Utsav. Thereafter, ‘Deevatige Salamu Bali’ is organized.

Goddess Rajarajeshwari Temple, located on the banks of river Phalguni, is an ancient temple reflecting the cultural heritage of this region. Its annual festivities are one of the longest in this part of the state, lasting for a month. The annual festival begins on the Sankramana of Meena month, and continues for a month. The car festival of the temple will be held on Friday April 11. The festivities will culminate with ‘Avabhruta Utsav’ Saturday April 12.

At the beginning, the Nattoja approaches the Jois of Puttige lineage of kings after praying to the Goddess. The Avabhruta day is then announced, 30 days since the beginning of the festivities.

‘Bayyana Bali’, ‘Pushpa Puje’, ‘Dandemale Utsavas’ are held during the festival period. On the 18th day of Meena month, ‘Kolikunta’ is organized.

On Avabhruta day after conclusion of five-day chendu, Hoovina Puje and Tulabhara services are offered to the Goddess. It is customary that during the month-long festivities, no auspicious occasions are organized in families within the jurisdiction of the temple.