MM Hills Mahashivaratri Jatra & Rathosthva — 18 February 2026 Upda

 MM Hills Mahashivaratri Jatra & Rathosthva — 18 February 2026 Update 

The annual Mahashivaratri Jatra Mahotsava at Male Mahadeshwara Hills (commonly called MM Hills) in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka has reached its culmination today — 18 February 2026 — drawing lakhs of devotees from across the state and neighbouring regions. 

Festival Overview & Timeline

The religious festival began on 14 February and continues through 18 February, coinciding with the sacred observance of Mahashivaratri — one of Hinduism’s most revered celebrations dedicated to Lord Shiva. This year’s festivities at MM Hills have seen an extraordinary gathering of devotees who have participated in special pujas, padayatra (pilgrim walk) and rituals performed at the ancient Sri Male Mahadeshwara temple perched atop the forested hills. 

Massive Devotee Turnout & Safety Measures

Local authorities report a significant surge in footfall, with pilgrims arriving on foot and by road from various districts including Bengaluru, Mandya, Ramanagara, and even neighbouring states. Along the 8-km padayatra route from Talabeetta to the hill shrine, strict security arrangements have been in place throughout the festival. Seven specialized safety teams, each assigned to a kilometre stretch, were deployed alongside police, forest officials, anti-poaching personnel, and home guards to ensure smooth movement and manage crowds. 

Authorities also took extra precautions after recent incidents involving wildlife interactions along forest paths. These measures reportedly helped prevent any major disruptions during the festival period. 

Traffic, Accessibility & Vehicle Regulations

To manage the intense pilgrim flow, district officials had imposed temporary restrictions on two-wheelers and three-wheeled vehicles around the steep and forest-fringed sections of MM Hills between 13 and 18 February, directing devotees to use designated parking zones and organized shuttle services from base camps. 

The MM Hills Mahashivaratri celebrations are not merely a religious event but also a vibrant cultural gathering. Devotees engage in devotional singing, offering of sacred Bilva leaves, deep ritual worship, and collective chants of “Har Har Mahadev.” The atmosphere blends deep spiritual fervour with traditional cultural expressions, drawing families, elderly pilgrims, youth groups, and religious singers from diverse communities. 

Besides the MM Hills festivities, Mahashivaratri observances across Karnataka have been marked with special pujas and rituals at major temples, including those in Bengaluru and Hubballi, indicating a widespread state-wide spiritual engagement tied to this auspicious day.