Mangaluru gears up for Dasara 2016

Mangaluru: Sep 24: The preparations for Mangaluru Dasara 2016', which starts from October 1 at Kudroli Shree Gokarnanatha Kshetra, are on in full swing. The 10-day Dasara celebrations – with unbridled devotion and fervour – will culminate at 4 pm on October 11, with a grand overnight Dasara procession.

Addressing mediapersons on Saturday, former Union minister Janardhan Poojary said that the Mangaluru Dasara started in 1990 and is known across the country as well as in different parts of the world.

“The Mangaluru Dasara is being organised with the strength and power of the people of the region. Over 75 tableaux will take part in the Dasara procession,” said Poojary, to a query from reporters, and added, “We do not expect any financial assistance from the government. Even during the renovation of the temple, no financial assistance from the government was sought.”

Temple Management Committee treasurer Padmaraj R said that the Dasara celebrations will commence with the installation of the idols of the Navadurgas and Goddess Sharada at 11.15 am on October 1. Daily pooja and rituals will be offered to the idols of Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kooshmandini, Siddhidatri, Mahakali, Mahagowri, Kathyayini, Skanda Mata, Adishakti, Shailaputri and Ganapathi, he said and added that, on October 9, a Chandika Homa and a Hagalothsava will be held. The mass feeding of devotees will be held on October 10.

Cultural programmes featuring leading artists will be held as part of the celebrations on all the days during the festival from 6 pm onwards. Stating that around 75 tableaux are expected to participate in the procession this year, the treasurer said that over 500 colourful umbrellas will also be part of the procession. The streets where the procession pass through are already illuminated to mark Dasara festivities.

He appealed to building owners to illuminate their buildings to add colour to the Dasara procession. The Dasara procession will traverse 7 kilometres, from Kshetra - Ladyhill - Lalbagh - Ballalbagh - Kodialbail - Hampankatte - University College - Ganapathi High School Road - Car Street - Chitra Talkies before reaching the Kshetra. The idols will later be immersed in the temple pond in the early hours of October 12.