Chikkamagalur: There was disorder and confusion in the annual Sandal Paste (Paduka) Uroos (Festival) programme conducted at Baba Budanaswami Durga or Dutta Peetha held on Sunday atop Baba Budangiri in the district.
The District administration took on the responsibility, as Shakhadri and temporary Uroos Committees kept away, to lead the event. As per traditions, SDO carried the sandalwood paste from Attigundi village to the hills, and Sayd Akil Pasha, Mujawwar of the Durga applied the pastes on Tombs and Datta Paduka (Sandals), after which other rituals were performed.
The paste-carrying vehicle was welcomed with musical instruments. Devotees throw flowers and coins at the vehicle on the way. Over 3,000 devotees shouted slogans to Dada Hayat Khalander.
Most of the devotees came from North Karnataka or Andhra. Hindus matched Muslim devotees in numbers. A Hindu devotee from Kurnool said his son was named after Khalander and devotees from Andhra came together in a vehicle.