Gokarna Feb, 26 - As per the holy guidance of Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, the nine-day Maha Shivaratri festival commenced from 18th of February till today, 26th. Religious, Cultural and many other entertaining programs commenced on the venue to make the first ever Mahashivaratri conducted by Sri Matha, a grand success.

Rathotsava at Gokarna on the occasion of Shivaratri Festival

Many traditional cultural programs, like Panchavadyam, Yakshaganam, Rudraveena,Carnatic & Hindustani Vocal, etecetera programs commenced at the specially prepared Nandikeshwara stage at the sea shore. It was looking like a spiritual gate opened for all the western devotees also. Many foreigners joined hands in some of the programs, like Akhanda Bhajan, Cultural programs etc.
The convener of the cultural programs, the famous flutist Sri Kadatoka Shambhu Bhat took the responsibility of arranging and managing all the programs, which reflects the culture of the land where the temple locates. Thousands of thousands devotees gathered at Gokarna this year, for the first time in the glorious history of Gokarna.
Sri Matha has taken many initiations like Gangajala Abhishekam - Abhishekam of the holy water of the river Ganges, Amrutha Prasadam - the Anna daanam, Samskruthika Vaibhavam - the Culutral programs, Sarvabhouma Sammana- recognizing the specialized personalities in the society, and many more to list.
The feedbacks we are receiving reflects the impact this festival made on the society. Devotees were very happy to visit Gokarna, They were comparing the festival with the Navaratri of Mysore.

The convener of the cultural programs, the famous flutist Sri Kadatoka Shambhu Bhat took the responsibility of arranging and managing all the programs, which reflects the culture of the land where the temple locates.