Harshini Brahmavar/Justin D’Souza
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Nov 23: Udupi is bathed in hues of saffron ahead of the the much-anticipated three-day Dharma Sansad that will begin here from Friday November 24. Saffron flags, buntings, flex and banners fill almost every road and junction all over Udupi city. After days of hectic preparations, Udupi is all set to witness one of the most important events of the year.

Around 2,000 swamijis and saints from across the nation will be participating in the three-day event. Sri Sri Ravishankar Guruji, Mata Amruthanandamayi, Baba Ramdev, Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Yaduveer Krishnadath Chamaraja Wodeyar and so also spiritual heads like Dr Shivakumara Maha Swamiji of Siddhaganga Math, Adi Chunchanagiri Swamiji. UP CM will be the chief speaker for the Virat Hindu Samajotsava to be held on November 26. Over one lac people are expected to participate in the Sansad.

Sessions will be held together with all spiritual/religious heads and national leaders. The national leaders along with Ashta Math Swamijis will witness the inauguration programme.

However, politicians will not be part of the event. "No political leader will participate in the sessions. They can participate as devotees. The 2,000 saints who will participate play a vital role. The government should follow the decisions taken by the Sansad. After 30 years the religious parliament is being organized in Udupi," said Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Paryaya Pejawar Math.

What is Dharma Sansad?

Dharma Sansad literally means religious parliament. Like parliament which takes decisions to rule people, Dharma Sansad takes decision about religion, in this case, Hinduism. The decision taken in the Sansad are implemented by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

The objective of the programme is to eradicate untouchability, fostering social harmony, conversion organize, consolidate, the Hindu society and to serve, protect the Hindu religion.

Prayag Sammelan in 1966, Udupi summit in 1969, Ujire summit in 1983 and Dharma Sansad in 1985 held in Udupi were some of the conferences held earlier.

Udupi is the only place to organize Dharma Sansad in South India. Dharma Sansad is being held during the fifth Paryaya of Pejawar Sri Vishweshateeirtha Swamiji, who has been at the forefront of social transformation. This will be the 12th Dharma Sansad.

Earlier Resolutions

1966 Prayag conference: 'Na Hindu Patito Bhavet' to stop conversions and to encourage 'ghar wapsi'

1969 Udupi conference: 'Hindavaha Sodaraha Sarve' - disapprove practice of untouchability and to build a total harmonious Hindu Society

1983 Ujire conference: 'Mama Diksha Hindu Raksha Mama Manthraha Samanatha' Reosolve to protect Hindu Society by emphasising on equality

1985 Udupi Manna Sansad: Sri Ram Janmabhoomi - Call to open locks at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

Focus of Dharma Sansad 2017

1. No discrimination on the basis of caste and gender - freedom to all to practice Hindu religious activities.
2. To protect and preserve cow and its progeny, need a comprehensive cow protection law.
3. Active participation of saints to stop conversions and to welcome ghar wapsi.
4. Encourage Hindu households to become centres of Hindu culture thereby repulse cultural invasion.
5. Way forward to build Sri Ram Mandir at Ramajanma Bhoomi

Prominent features of Dharma Sansad

A huge pandal measuring one lac sq ft has been set up at Royal Garden, Kalsanka.

On Thursday November 23, there will be an exhibition ‘Hindu Vaibhava’ which will be inaugurated by RSS joint general secretary Bhagaiah at Royal Gardens Udupi.

On Friday November 24, Dharma Sansad will be inagurated by Sri Shivakumar Swamiji, Sri Siddhaganga Math, Tumakuru at around 10 am along with other swamijis like Srimadrambhapuri Veerasimhasanadheeshwara, Sri Prasanna Renuka, Dr Veerasomeshwara and Rajadeshendra Shivacharya Bhagavatpadaru, Balehonnur.

A dedication of commemorative issue of 'Patheya' will be done by Sri Nirmalanantha Swamiji of Sri Adi Chunchanagiri. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will deliver the keynote address.

On the same day, a general session will be held on the subject of Ram Janmabhoomi from 3.30 pm to 6 pm.

On Saturday, November 25, there will be a group meeting from 10 am to 12.30 pm on ‘how to develop social harmony’.

Another session will be from 3.30 pm to 6 pm on how to stop forced conversions and encourage ghar wapsi and how to protect cultural values.

On Sunday, November 26, there will be a general session on Dharma Sansad resolutions. A grand Shobha Yatra will begin from Jodukatte and various religious heads and spiritual leaders will take part in the procession.

Cultural programmes will be performed on November 24 and 25 by Alva’s College students.

A special 'social leaders' meet' will also be held. Surendra Kumar Jain, international general secretary, VHP will deliver the keynote address at the valedictory ceremony.

Prohibition of cow slaughter, ban on illegal conversion, and ban on illegal immigrants are some of the important matters to be discussed in this session.

The programme will be held under the guidance of Rajarshi Virendra Heggade, trustee of Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala.

Parking system

Devotees coming in vehicles from Karkala will have food arrangements at Veerabhadra temple.

Vehicles drivers have been advised to take the route - turn from Manipal Syndicate circle - Deputy Commissioner Road -Perampalli Road -Ambagalu- Karavali-Junction -Main junction Ambalpady- Diana Hotel- near Brahmagiri.

Empty buses can be parked at Mudanna Estate Bailoor.

Arrangement of food has been done at Udyavar for people coming from Mangalore.

Vehicles should take Kopura- Kinnimulky route. Empty buses can be parked at MJC Manipal through Balaipade–Alevoor route.

Vehicles should be park systematically at marked spaces.


Route diversions

No entry for vehicles from Karavali-Bannanje to Syndicate circle during the three days.

On November 26, there will be no city bus facility from the city bus stand to Indrali junction.

Vehicles can use Karavali-Bannanje circle to enter the city. Vehicles going towards Manipal can go through Ambagilu, Peramballi. Brahmavar to Udupi buses can use Perampalli- Manipal road. Mangaluru-Manipal route buses are to go through Korangrapady-Alevoor road to reach Manipal.

Traffic restrictions

1) MJC Manipal: Only buses coming from Mangaluru
2) Mudanna Estate Bailoor: Only buses coming from Karkala
3) Beedinagudde ground: Only buses coming from Kundapur
4) Rajangana Krishna Math: Onlyfor small vehicles and VIPs vehicles
5) Christian High School: Only for two wheelers
6) Christian PU College ground: Only for small cars two wheelers
7) Atif Estate, Kalsanka: small cars and two wheelers
8) Mukunda Kripa School Ground: small and two wheelers
9) Ground near Bannanje Nagabana: small and two wheelers

Four-time meal (annasantharpana) including breakfast, snacks

Sri Krishnaprasada Bhavan will serve the food. Chefs arrived at the venue a few days ago. A team of 75 chefs will prepare food for the gathering. Food is being served for the volunteers and participants from November 21. From November 26, as many as 7,000 people will be provided food for four times a day daily. South and North Indian food will be prepared at bhojan shala.

As per the instructions of Pejawar Swamiji, three types of sweets will be provided every day.

On November 26, grand Shobha Yathra and Hindu Samajotsava will be held at MGM ground.

More than 250 volunteers working day and night

More than 250 volunteers are working day and night to decorate the city. The works have been distributed to 80 different groups. More than 500 managers have been appointed from across the state.

Mobile toilets installed

More than 10 mobile toilets have been installed in the surroundings of the venue. A team of youths will take care of drinking water for gathering. A huge crowd close to a lac is expected to attend the programme.


Accommodation for sadhus and saints

Lodging facility for the seers and saints has been arranged in and around Udupi. Some will be staying in the houses of Hindus here. A family from Kundapur has agreed to take the responsibility of seers staying in their house. All expenses will be borne by the family itself.

A large size pandal has been setup at Royal Garden, Kalsanka. It may accommodate around 3,000 people. VHP members from all over India will participate in the session.

Chatras, hotels, wedding halls, lodges, and apartments have been booked in and around the city for the accommodation of seers and saints. Accommodation has been set up at Pajaka for 100 math's heads. The saints and sadhus will be brought to the venue of the Dharma Sansad daily during the three days of the convention. It will be the responsibility of the house owners hosting the saints and sadhus to bring them to the venue and return on the three days.


Tight security

The district police department will provide security to VIPs and keep an eye on the venue. Checkposts and CCTV cameras have been installed at all entry and exit points, under the charge of SP Sanjeev Patil.

Additional force has also been provided to control the crowd and the traffic. Emergency services like ambulances, medical facilities and fire services are on standby. A media center has also been set up for the convenience of media persons.

Thousands of volunteers and women organizations are part of the team in-charge of hospitality. The reception committee is also set to welcome national level leaders, invitees and also serve the public.