Perched high in the misty folds of the Western Ghats, Deviramma Betta in Chikmagalur turns into a dazzling pilgrimage of faith once every year during Deepavali. Known as the Deviramma Jatre, this festival celebrates the fierce yet benevolent Goddess Deviramma — believed to be a powerful form of Durga who protects the land and its people.
Every year, thousands of devotees tread up the steep 3,000-foot hill to the temple in Bindiga village. The crowd often exceeds 50,000 pilgrims on that day, making it one of Chikmagalur’s most spiritually charged gatherings.
When is Deviramma Jatre in 2026?
In 2026, the Deviramma Temple will be open to the public on November 7 and 8, coinciding with the Deepavali season. Traditionally, the temple opens only on one day — Naraka Chaturdashi. However, considering the growing footfall of around 50,000 devotees per day in recent years, the local administration is expected to manage it over two days again. The main day of worship will likely be on November 8.
On the night of November 8, the famous Deepotsava takes place at the temple located below the hill, filling the temple space with thousands of oil lamps and devotional chants that echo through the forests.
Why People Visit
The shrine holds immense spiritual energy. According to legend, Goddess Deviramma rested on this very hill after vanquishing the demon Mahishasura, marking the site as a symbol of victory over evil and purification of one’s soul. Many devotees undertake the 8 km trek barefoot as an act of devotion, offering coconuts and oil lamps in prayer for health, prosperity, and protection. Please note that for now carrying coconuts to hill is banned by district authorities. In 2025 it took 3 hours to complete one side trek in bare foot.
The Unique Story and Rituals
For centuries, the Deviramma Jatre has united Malnad communities in faith and tradition. Villagers from Bindiga, Mallenahalli, and Arasinaguppe converge here to perform rituals, sing hymns, and light lamps that transform the hillside into a glowing path of belief. The sight of thousands of flickering lamps against Chikmagalur’s misty backdrop is considered one of Karnataka’s most captivating cultural moments.
A Photographer’s Dream
For photographers and travelers, Deviramma Jatre offers a surreal blend of devotion and landscape. The panoramic views from the summit, the glowing descent of pilgrims, and the radiance of Deepotsava at night make this event an unmatched photography opportunity. Early mornings often bring an interplay of fog and firelight — a scene that few festivals can match.
Rules and Pilgrim Etiquette
Visitors are requested to respect the sacred nature of the trek and ensure safety:
- Trek only on marked trails and avoid littering.
- Carry adequate water and avoid plastic packaging.
- Alcohol, loud music, and photography near the sanctum are discouraged.
- Follow instructions given by volunteers and temple authorities.
- Typically on these days other hill stations will be barred from tourist visit. You will not be able to cover Baba Budan Giri or any other hill stations, unless you book room in one of the hill resort or homestay.
- Government typically plans parking spaces and support by arranging multiple buses to travel from parking lot to starting point of Deviramma foot hill.
The local administration deploys police, health staff, and transportation from Chikmagalur to Mallenahalli for smooth crowd movement.
Why Plan with Travebrate
Travebrate curates authentic cultural experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Our Deviramma Jatre packages include guided treks, local accommodation, and curated routes combining temple visits with nearby attractions like Mullayanagiri Peak, Hebbe Falls, and Baba Budangiri. Did you know we have got featured in News18?
Plan with Travebrate and India Fest App
Download the India Fest App by Travebrate to get India’s most colorful and unique festivals starting from holi to Dev Diwali, Kambala to Jallikattu. We track 300 odd festivals. We can plan you India’s colorful itinerary or any specific colorful festival of India. If you planning to join the guided hill trek, capture the glow of Deepotsava, and experience the annual miracle of Karnataka’s mountain goddess with Travebrate, reach out to us now.
Walk up the sacred hill. Capture the spirit. Experience the light. Plan it with Travebrate.