Puttur, 16 September 2026: What began nearly seven decades ago as a public Ganeshotsava has grown into an annual tradition closely associated with Kille Maidan and the cultural life of Puttur. Kille Maidan Public Sri Maha Ganeshotsava has entered its 69th year, bringing together devotees, families, organisers and community members for religious and cultural programmes.
As the festival moves towards its 75th year, or Amrutha Mahotsava, organisers and community representatives are already looking beyond the annual celebrations. A proposal has been put forward to establish a dedicated Ganapati temple in the Kille Maidan surroundings before the festival reaches its 75th-year milestone. Proposal was highlighted by State Religious Council member Mallika Pakala while speaking at the 69th Maha Ganeshotsava.
From one generation to another
Festival's continuity has been reflected in the involvement of successive generations in its organisation. Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, speaking at the programme, described the Kille Maidan Ganapati as one of the town's senior Ganapati traditions and recalled the contribution of Mallya and later Sudhakar Shetty in continuing the festival.
Responsibility is now being carried forward by Abhijith Shetty, who serves as the committee president. For the organisers, the transition from one generation to another represents more than a change in leadership. It reflects the role of community participation in keeping the festival going year after year.
Festival's public character is also evident in the range of religious services and programmes associated with Kille Maidan Ganapathi. The Kille Maidan Devatha Samithi's published information includes daily puja, Ganapati Homa, Mahapuja, Rangapuja and several forms of devotional service, along with community meals during the festival period.
Looking towards the 75th year
With the 69th edition now underway, the proposed temple has emerged as one of the key ideas for the festival's next phase. Mallika Pakala said the Kille Maidan Ganeshotsava has a special place among Puttur's major public festivals and suggested that a Ganapati temple could be established in the area before the 75th-year celebrations.
Such a project would require the participation and cooperation of the public, she said. Proposal gives the festival a longer-term dimension: from an annual celebration to a possible permanent religious and community space associated with Kille Maidan.
A festival beyond the celebrations
District Religious Council member Shivanatha Rai Meginaguttu said the festival had continued for 69 years because of sacrifice, service, determination and collective confidence. He said the objective was to bring people together through religious programmes and collective participation.
Advocate and notary Chidananda Bailadi also credited the success of the festival to the involvement of people from different sections of the community. Committee president Abhijith Shetty appealed for continued public support for the celebrations. Committee has announced a Bal Ganapati Homa at 4.45 a.m. on September 19, inviting devotees to participate.
The road from 69 to 75
69th edition therefore represents both a continuation and a point of reflection for Kille Maidan's Ganeshotsava. Immediate focus remains on worship, cultural programmes and community participation. But the proposed 75th-year vision raises a larger question for Puttur: whether the decades-old festival can evolve into a permanent Ganapati temple and community space at Kille Maidan.
For now, the festival continues its annual journey - with its sights set six years ahead, when the 75th edition could mark a new chapter in the story of Kille Maidan Ganeshotsava.
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