Puttur: Thousands of devotes witnessed Puttur Shri Mahalingeshwara temple Annual Rathotsava and two-hour fire cracker display on Sunday.

The rituals began as the Utsava, Vasanta Katte Puja, Devara Darshana Bali  at 9.30am. The deity took three rounds of the temple (Bali) along with Ullalthi and other spirit Gods.

The Battalu Kanike began after touching Kadtale (the sword) to the Harivana (plate). The devotees who offered Battalu Kanike were given Prasada by the priests.

Lakhs of devotees bathed in devotion and the whole atmosphere turned pious as the devotees pulled the Brahma Ratha in the evening.

Annual Rathotsava of Puttur Mahalingeshwara temple attracts lakhs of devotes from across the district. The villagers are allowed to offer Battalu Kanike only for one day. This time the day was on Sunday.

The fire works show is held every year as part of the annual festival of the temple. People from Puttur and neighbouring places came to witness the show, which is held in a paddy field near the temple.

The fire cracker display was drastically cut down this time in the light of the Kerala temple tragedy. The district administration gave permission only after temple authorities made safety arrangements.

Only persons authorised by temple were allowed to burst the crackers.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Kumar said 13 kg of crackers were burst.