India : Karnataka : Belur, Halebid and Hassan : Festival and Shopping - 7

Guys, following are the Festivals of Belur, Halebid and Hassan. Just take a look on following information.

Hoysala Mahotsava :

The dance festival held at Belur and Halebid is a magnificent event. The splendid Hoysala temples with their sculpture extravaganza make the perfect venue for this culture feast.

The annual car festival at the Chennakeshava temple takes place in March/April.

The Mahamastakaabhisheka ceremony of the Bahubali statue takes place at Sharavanabelagola once in 12 years when the planets are in a particular trajectory. The priests scale up a giant scaffolding and pour hundreds of pots containing sacred water, ghee, milk, jewels, gold and silver coins.

Shopping :

Belur and Halebid have no major shopping attractions. Small momentos of stone carvings can be purchased near most tourist destinations.

India : Hassan : What to see and Excursions - 6

Guys, Hassan is 30 kms from Halebid and a useful transit point if you are visiting Belur and Halebid. Hassan is the gateway to some of the most historic and awe inspiring temple traits linked to Hoyasla architecture.

The place is called Hassan after the Goddess, 'Hassanamba', the smiling Goddess, presiding deity of the town. A modest temple is dedicated to the Goddess. The temple is open only once a year for about a week sometime in October. A big fair is also held on this occasion.

The district also has a scenic skyline with grasslands, wide stretches of woods and coffee plantations.

Shravanbelagola :

Approximately 85 kms from Halebid, it lies between the two hills of Chandragiri and Indragiri. The place is well known for the biggest statue of Gomateshara - a Jain Saint and an idol of worship for centuries. It s a renowned centre of Jain pilgrimage and abounds in monuments.

Just take a look at Shravanbelagola Slide Show :