Bengaluru: Sridurgaparameshwari Ammavaru is the most worshipped deity by the people of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The annual fair of Katil Sridurgaparameshwari Temple in Mangalore was celebrated on Saturday night.  However, on this occasion, the traditional Tutedara festival was held in grand style at Rathbedi opposite the temple.

#WATCH | Karnataka: Devotees throw burning palm fronds at each other as part of the annual festival 'Thootedhara' or 'Agni Keli' at the Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple in Mangaluru. pic.twitter.com/EtoEkI2YoF

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2024

Agnikeli organized by devotees filled the spectators with enthusiasm.  A group of devotees who had come for the ritual of fasting lighted palms made of coconut feathers and threw them at each other. Every year this fair is held for eight days in April. Devotees participating in the Agnikeli stand facing each other at a distance of about 15 meters. Palms made of coconut feathers are lit and thrown at each other. At night, the temple premises evoke a warlike atmosphere with devotees participating in this fire festival.

The Agni Keli competition is held for about 15 minutes. Nirwaks dressed in white.. take part in the Agni Keli and provide first aid with holy water to those injured. The video of this scene, where hundreds of people gathered in a group and threw it, is currently going viral on social media.

During the war, Goddess Durga rides on a lion or a tiger, wears weapons and fiercely fights the demons. But people here believe that this Agni Keli Utsav appeases the Goddess. However, the people of Dakshina Kannada district celebrate this festival as a symbol of Darga Mata's strength and courage.