HASSAN: Brahmarathotsava, the annual car festival of the Chennakeshava Temple, Belur, was held peacefully on Tuesday amid tight security without any recitation from the Quran.
Narayana Swamy, head of the temple management committee, said Sajjad Basha Khadri Saheb, the moulvi, did not recite verses from the Quran as per tradition. "After accepting cash and grains handed over by the temple committee, he only offered 'mujure' (thanksgiving prayer)," Swamy said, adding that Khadri Saheb had assured the temple committee that he would follow the endowment department's directive. The moulvi has issued a written confirmation that he didn't recite the Quran.
Last week, hardline Hindu groups had demanded that verses from the Quran must not be recited at the Hindu religious event.
The procession of the chariot of Lord Chennakeshava was held between 10.50am and 11.20am and the proceedings began after moulvi Khadri Saheb arrived under heavy security, even as hundreds of Hindu activists from Hassan and neighbouring Chikkamagaluru gathered on the temple premises. Former minister HD Revanna, Belur MLA KS Lingesh and others participated in the car festival.
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