Chikkamagaluru: The district administration has banned entry of tourists to Mullayanagiri and its surrounding areas on the day of Gowri-Ganesha festival, Monday. Deputy commissioner Bhanwar Singh Meena issued an order in this regard.More than 40 villages from Ambale, Vastare, Avathi and Jagar hoblis have a centuries-old tradition of trekking to Melugadde-Mullayanagiri, Seethalaiahanagiri and Guru Narukanthe mutts to light the sacred lamp (Jyothi) and break coconuts as part of a ritual on the festival day on Sept 14.In view of this traditional practice, entry of other tourists to Mullayanagiri, Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudan Swamy Dargah, Manikyadhara Falls and surrounding areas will be restricted on that day. However, those who have pre-booked resorts and homestays in the region will be allowed, according to the DC.
