Police issue warning against nuisance during Bedu festival

The Kodagu district police has issued a stern warning against individuals indulging in indecent behaviour and creating a nuisance during the upcoming Bedu festival.

The Bedu festival is scheduled to be held on May 28, 2026 in Ayyappa Bhadrakali Temple in Devarapura village falling in Gonikoppal Police station limits in Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district. During the festival, devotees in traditional costumes visit the temple from different parts of the district and neighbouring districts to fulfil their vows, said the Superintendent of Kodagu district police in a statement here.

“However, it has been observed that some devotees in costumes, after consuming excessive alcohol, visit shops and commercial establishments in Gonikoppal and Tithimati towns and pressurise people to give them money,” the note said 

The devotees in such costumes reportedly obstruct members of the public and vehicles coming into the town for business purposes. “Further, some costumed individuals have been found behaving indecently with traders, shop owners and particularly with women visiting the shops, besides abusing them using objectionable language and causing nuisance,” the statement said.

The Kodagu District Police Department has warned that strict legal action will be taken as per law against those found indulging in such activities.