Bhatkal: The annual Mari Jatre, one of Bhatkal's oldest and most prominent folk religious festivals, commenced on Wednesday with the ceremonial installation of the idol of Goddess Mari at the Marikamba Temple.

The rituals began at around 5.30 a.m. with a traditional procession during which the idol, crafted by members of the Vishwakarma community, was brought to the temple after special prayers. As per local custom, members of the Jain community offered the first prayers before the idol was ceremonially installed in the temple premises. Thousands of devotees queued up from early morning to seek the goddess's blessings and offer special prayers.

The two-day festival, deeply rooted in the region's folk traditions, has evolved over the years from a village deity celebration into a major religious event, attracting devotees from Bhatkal, neighbouring taluks and other parts of Uttara Kannada district.

The festival will conclude on Thursday evening with a traditional procession carrying the idol to the Karikal seafront for immersion.

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the event. Police, assisted by bomb disposal and dog squads, conducted security checks in and around the temple before the festivities began. Devotees are being allowed entry only after thorough security screening.