Belthangady: A survey was conducted by India Today based on cleanliness, hygiene and various other factors Dharmasthala was credited with being the ‘cleanest religious town.’

The award ceremony was held at New Delhi on Sunday and Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade’s brother D Harshendra Kumar accepted the award.

Awards were conferred under 14 categories as directed by Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was also present for the ceremony.