For decades, the Saundatti Yellamma Jatra was celebrated as a festival of devotion and faith. But alongside the spiritual grandeur came another reality – endless traffic jams, chaotic parking, and public suffering. Each year, over a million pilgrims would arrive in the temple town, but without a structured system in place, the result was inevitable: confusion, inconvenience, and chaos.
The Pain of the Past
In earlier years, devotees often walked for kilometers just to reach the temple gates, as vehicles remained stuck in traffic jams stretching 5–10 km. Access to basic needs like drinking water, medical care, and food was extremely difficult during peak days.
“In 2019, my mother fainted in the middle of the road. We had to carry her through the crowd for almost two kilometers before we found an ambulance. That day, I prayed for not just blessings but also for better arrangements in the future,” recalls Savitha, a devotee from Hubli.
The burden fell heavily on the police force, who had little more than whistles and hand signals to manage lakhs of people.
“Every year, we prepared for the worst. Our men stood for 12–14 hours straight in the sun, trying to control traffic manually. But once the crowd swelled, no amount of whistles and hand signals could help,” says an Inspector who has served Saundatti for over a decade.
The Dawn of Smart Parking
In 2025, everything changed. For the first time, the Zagoo Smart Parking Ecosystem was introduced in Saundatti—turning the Jatra into a global example of how technology can transform tradition.
The system featured:
ANPR cameras & digital valet solutions
Pre-booking of parking slots
Shuttle services to the temple
Bio-toilets & dormitories
Community kitchens & refreshment centers
Digital dashboards for traffic monitoring
This holistic approach transformed parking from a logistical nightmare into a devotee-first experience.
“This year, I reached the temple in just 20 minutes after parking my car. Earlier, it used to take us two to three hours just to find space. I could spend more time praying than worrying,” shares Ravi Shankar, a devotee from Dharwad.
Relief for Police and Administrators
The new system also empowered the authorities. Instead of struggling in the chaos, police could rely on data-driven insights and automated controls.
“For the first time in my career, I saw traffic flowing without road closures. We didn’t have to divert buses or block highways. It felt like Saundatti had finally entered a new era,” reflects the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
Boost for Local Businesses
The transformation went beyond convenience. With devotees reaching the temple calmly, local vendors and shopkeepers saw a surge in business.
“Earlier, customers were too tired after walking long distances from parking lots. This time, many families came to my shop relaxed and bought pooja items. My income doubled compared to previous years,” says Hanumanthappa, a small shop owner near the temple.
A Symbol of Transformation
The Saundatti Jatra of 2025 was more than a festival—it became a case study in blending technology with tradition. What was once remembered for congestion and chaos is now celebrated for order, dignity, and spiritual fulfillment.
“This was not just smart parking. This was smart living. For the first time, I saw faith and technology walking hand in hand,” said an elderly devotee from Belagavi, wiping tears of joy.
Conclusion
The Yellamma Jatra of Saundatti will always remain a symbol of faith, but 2025 marked a turning point where devotion met innovation. Pilgrims could finally focus on spirituality while authorities ensured safety, efficiency, and dignity for all.
This is not just about managing vehicles – it’s about transforming lives.
Bring Smart Transformation to Your City
Just like Saundatti, your city or facility can benefit from the Zagoo Smart Parking Ecosystem.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Let’s connect today.