A grand Vachana Vijayotsava procession was taken out in Bidar on Sunday as part of Basavotsava and the second memorial observance of Akka Annapurnatai.

The procession began from Basava Udyana in Shivnagar and passed through Papanash Gate and Papanash Temple before culminating at Akka Annapurnatai’s Aikya Mantapa at Basavagiri.

The city witnessed a festive atmosphere with Shatsthala flags fluttering across the route, while decorative umbrellas and chamaras added colour to the procession.

Devotees raised slogans praising Basava philosophy as Basavotsava and Vachana Vijayotsava songs played on DJ systems.

Youth, Sharanas and Sharane devotees danced and marched enthusiastically during the procession.

At Basava Udyana, procession committee president Rajkumar Patil, Abhishek Mathapati and Hannmu Paji performed guru puja rituals.

Ayyar Mathapati of Sharana Vichara Vahini, Belagavi, inaugurated the procession by reciting Vachanas.

Lingayat Maha Math seer Prabhudeva Swamiji carried a large copy of the Lingayat religious text Guruvachana on his head during the procession, while several devotees carried Vachana literature with devotion and reverence.

Participants recalled how 12th century Sharanas protected Vachana literature in the forests of Ulavi and symbolically recreated that spirit during the procession.

Meanwhile, speaking at the memorial programme held later in the evening at Basavagiri, Siddarama Sharana Beldale of Basavayogashrama, Koutha (B), said Akka Annapurnatai had introduced Bidar to the world through her contribution to Basava philosophy and vachana literature.

Presiding over the programme, Prabhudeva Swamiji described Akka Annapurnatai as a towering spiritual personality who dedicated her life to spreading Basava philosophy and caring for devotees. He said that efforts will be made to publish all her literary works by next year.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat district president Suresh Chanashetty, Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha district president Basavaraj Dhannur, the former Zilla Panchayat vice-president Neelamma Rugan and Shanta Jayaraj Khandre recalled the contributions of Akka Annapurnatai and her role in promoting Basava ideology.

A special theatrical presentation on the life of Akka Annapurnatai attracted the attention of the gathering.

Basava National Award recipient Siddarama Sharana Beldale and Basava Jayanti Utsava Samiti president Rajaneesh Wali were felicitated on the occasion.

Jagadguru Siddarama Swamiji of Basava Maha Mane, Basavakalyan, Yalavanta Sharana of Koppal and several writers, religious leaders and devotees participated in the programme.