Sirsi Marikamba Jatre 2026 — Dates, Rituals & Travel Guide
As officially announced, the Sirsi Shri Marikamba Thaayi Jatre Mahotsav 2026 will be held from February 24 to March 04, 2026 in Sirsi, Uttara Kannada.
Expect grand processions, folk performances, and special pujas that transform Sirsi into one of Karnataka’s most vibrant temple fairs.
This guide covers the daily highlights, darshan timings, key rituals, and local customs so you can plan your visit smoothly.
You’ll also find practical travel tips—how to reach, where to stay, nearby temples to cover—and simple etiquette for a peaceful, devotional experience.
Quick Overview — Sirsi Marikamba Jatre 2026
Note: Daily program/ritual timings may vary by day; check the official program board near the temple during the Jatre for exact timings.
📅 Sirsi Marikamba Jatre 2026 — Main Dates & Timings (Feb 24 to Mar 04)
Use this quick block to know the must-watch ceremonies and the official end time. (Local time / IST)
Consecration/installation of the Kalasha on the Goddess’s Rath (Chariot).
Special Jatre Kalyana consecration at the Sabha Mantapa (official auspicious window).
The Goddess ascends the Rath (Ratharohana) — a key moment for devotees.
Grand Shobha Yatre (procession), followed by installation on the Gaddige (ceremonial seat/platform).
Devotee Seva opportunities begin (offerings/services as permitted by the temple administration).
The Sirsi Marikamba Jatre Mahotsav ends officially at 10:47 AM.
Note: These are the official auspicious time windows mentioned in the announcement. On-ground crowd flow may cause slight shifts in movement time, but the muhurta windows remain the key reference.
About Shri Marikamba Devi
Shri Marikamba Devi is revered in Sirsi as a powerful form of Durga—compassionate Mother and fearless Protector.
Devotees seek her blessings for courage, prosperity, and well-being, believing she guards the town and its forests.
Her worship blends Vedic tradition with local folk devotion, reflecting Uttara Kannada’s rich cultural heritage.
During the Jatre, the Goddess is honored with special pujas, music, and vibrant folk troupes celebrating her victory over negativity.
The community affectionately calls her “Thaayi,” expressing a personal bond of care, discipline, and grace.
Pilgrims witness a living tradition where faith, ecology, and culture meet under Marikamba Devi’s benevolent gaze.
Pre-Rituals & Key Ceremonies — Sirsi Marikamba Jatre 2026 (Official Schedule)
The main fair runs from Feb 24 to Mar 04, 2026, and the official pre-rituals begin from Jan 07, 2026. Below is the date-wise timeline (times are local/IST where mentioned).
Note: Program flow is official, but on-ground timings can shift slightly due to crowd/ritual sequence. Please verify final announcements at the temple notice board during Jatre days.
How to Reach Shri Sirsi Marikamba Temple
By Road
Sirsi is a major town in Uttara Kannada with frequent KSRTC/NWKRTC and private buses from Bengaluru, Hubballi, Shivamogga, Karwar and Mangaluru. The town has its own bus stand and the temple area is centrally located.
By Rail
Sirsi doesn’t have a railway station; the nearest railheads are Talaguppa (~55 km), Kumta (~60–62 km), Haveri (~72 km), and Hubballi (~103 km). From these stations, taxis and buses connect to Sirsi.
By Air
The nearest airport is Hubballi (HBX) at ~86 km by road; other options include Goa–Dabolim (GOI) ~137 km, Goa–Mopa (GOX) ~161 km, and Mangaluru (IXE) ~186 km. Choose HBX for the quickest access; taxis/buses are available onward to Sirsi.
Local Transport
Autos and cabs are easily available in town. The temple is about 2–3 km from the Sirsi bus stand, making short rides or even a brisk walk feasible depending on crowd and weather.
Address / Map
Shri Marikamba Temple, State Highway 77, Sirsi – 581402. Search “Sirsi Marikamba Temple” in Google Maps for live directions and traffic diversions during Jatre days.
Jatre-day Tips
Expect temporary one-ways and parking at designated grounds with volunteer guidance. Aim to arrive early on peak procession days and keep buffer time for ghat-road traffic to/from the coast and interior districts.
Note: Road distances vary by route; rail/air availability can change seasonally—check latest schedules before travel.
Marikamba Jatre — What’s Special
Grand Processions
Traditional pallakki and chariot-style rathotsava move through key streets with nadaswara, drums, and devotional chants—signature moments of the Jatre.
Alankara Darshanam
The Goddess is adorned in special alankaras (decorations) on select days. Devotees seek darshan of each form symbolising protection, prosperity, and grace.
Folk Arts & Troupes
Dollu Kunitha, Veeragase, and Yakshagana enliven the streets and stages—celebrating Karnataka’s rich folk culture alongside devotional themes.
Special Pujas & Homas
Daily rituals with deepa, naivedya, and Devi homas are performed by temple priests; devotees offer kumkum, coconuts, and sarees with personal vows.
Annadanam & Prasada
Large-scale annadanam (community meal) and prasada counters serve pilgrims. Carry your own water bottle and follow queue guidance on rush days.
Temple Santhe (Fair)
A bustling santhe brings handicrafts, pooja items, toys, local spices and arecanut-region produce—perfect for festive shopping and souvenirs.
Family & Senior-Friendly
Plan darshan during non-peak hours, use designated entry/exit lanes, and keep emergency contacts handy. Volunteers assist seniors and children near the temple zones.
Devotee Etiquette
Modest dress, no footwear in temple areas, no flash inside sanctum, and follow police/volunteer instructions. Keep valuables secure and maintain cleanliness.
Green Jatre Tips
Use refillable bottles, segregate waste, avoid single-use plastics, and respect local ecology—Sirsi is surrounded by evergreen forests and streams.
Note: Specific day-wise programs and exact procession timings are announced by the temple committee—add them when released.
The Sirsi Shri Marikamba Thaayi Jatre Mahotsav is a living blend of devotion, culture, and community spirit. In 2026, the celebration from February 24 to March 04 invites devotees and culture-seekers to experience grand processions, soulful rituals, and the warm hospitality of Uttara Kannada.
Plan your visit early, choose comfortable travel and stay options, and follow local guidelines for a peaceful darshan. Respect temple etiquette and support the green initiatives to keep the town and its forests pristine for future pilgrims.
We’ll add the day-wise program and announcements as they are released—bookmark this page and share it with fellow devotees.
Jai Marikamba!
Related Guides on KarnatakaTemple.com
Spoiled Coconut During Pooja — Meaning & Remedies
Understand traditional beliefs when a coconut turns bad in worship and how devotees usually respond.
1-Day Temple Trip from Bangalore — Plans & Routes
Handy itineraries with timings, route suggestions, and tips for a smooth day pilgrimage.
Top 10 Biggest Jatre in Karnataka
Discover Karnataka’s grand fairs—dates, highlights, and travel pointers for each jatre.