Moodubelle, 06 September 2010: Though Janmashtami celebrations were over on 1st and 2nd September 2010, Shri Brahmalingeshwara Bhajan Mandali of Kattingeri, taking advantage of Sunday holiday organised Janmashtami games in the premises of Shri Brahmalingeshwara temple on 5th September 2010 from 2.30 pm to 6 pm. The Janmashtami games were attended by a large number of Kattingeri villagers. Men, women, youth and children whole heartedly participated in a variety of games.
First of all, Breaking the Pot with a stick by blindfolded competitors was organised for men as well as women. Among the men, Sunder Marne succeeded in hitting the pot and winning the prize. Among the women, the prize was shared by two- Shobha Hegde and Divya Poojary. The Three Legged Race which was meant only for men was won by Shakheel and Akheel. Race with Books on Head which was exclusively organised for women was won by Shobha Hegde.
The children were not left behind. Children below the age of 12 years tried their luck in drinking water through straw having many holes and emptying the glass of water faster than anyone else. This competition was won by Shashank. Among girls and women, the same competition was won by Ranjani. In the Musical Chair competition, Shobha Hegde got the first prize defeating fifteen other contenders. In the Treasure Hunt competition, Nalini Shetty succeeded in locating the hidden treasure in the premises of the temple.
The chief attraction of the entire Janmashtami games was the competition to climb the areca nut tree that was not only polished but also greased. Seven adventurous men tried their luck to conquer the slippery tree. After nearly one and a half hours of struggle, Ashok Edmeru finally succeeded reaching the top of the areca tree and winning Rs.1,500/- prize money. Devdas Hebbar, President of Shri Brahmalingeshwara Bhajan Mandali gave away the prizes to the winners in various games.
These Janmashtami games had been organised in the premises of Shri Brahmalingeshwara temple since around 25 years. However, in between, for some unavoidable reasons there was some lull in these games. Once again these games came to be revived since the last two years and there has been overwhelming response from most of the villagers as participants as well as spectators. Both men and women along with youth and children and people belonging to Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities enthusiastically participate in these Janmashtami games by which the Kattingeri village comes alive and everyone enjoys the fun and frolic of the atmosphere. The Janmashtami games in bright sunshine and pleasant breeze in the rural setting was something worth witnessing along with the villagers.
All the committee members of Shri Brahmalingeshwara Bhajan Mandali, especially the youth had meticulously planned and conducted the games efficiently under the guidance of Devdas Hebbar who feels that the youth should be given responsibility so that they can develop leadership qualities.