Mangalore, October 24: The popular Mangaluru Dasara procession of pomp and gaiety attracted thousands of devotees and tourists from various parts of the country on Wednesday evening.
The colourful procession marked the conclusion of famous Navaratri festival of Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple. The 22nd 'Mangaluru Dasara' that commenced on October 16, coincides with the centenary celebration of Kudroli Gokarnanatha Kshetra.
Resting on magnificent chariots the idols of Sharada, Navadurga and Ganesha brought festive spirit in the minds of devotees who thronged to have a glimpse of deities.
The colourful 'Shobha Yathra' started from Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple after poojas and other religious rituals at around 4.30 pm.
The idol of Ganesha was in the forefront of the procession which was followed by Adishakti, Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kooshmandini, Skandamata, Katyayini, Mahakali, Mahagowri, Siddidatri and Sharada.
Chende, dollu kunitha, veeragase kunitha, musical band and tableaux, which give description of Hindu religious heritage, preceded the idol procession. Meanwhile, all major roads in the city were decorated to welcome the procession. As the procession passed through the illuminated streets, devotees offered poojas, flowers and fruits to deities.
The procession which proceeded through Kumbla Road, Mannagudda Road, Lady Hill Circle, Lalbagh, Ballalbagh, PVS Circle, Navbharath Circle, KS Rao Road, Hampankatta, Ganapathi High School Road, Car Street and Alake expected to return to the Temple in the wee hours of Thursday.
Later, Balipooje and Mantapabali rituals will be organised in the Temple. The festival will be concluded at the Kudroli temple with the immersion of Sri Sharada Mata idol after 'Mantapa Pooja.'
Police faced hardship in diverting the traffic to other roads as there was a huge rush of people on the roads through which the procession passed.
People had gala time at their favourite “charmuri” stalls as children and women busied themselves in front of the shops selling fancy goods, footwear, toys and bangles. People were seen exchanging notes on the festivities.
Troupes of “tiger boys” exhibited their “tiger dance” in front of shops and houses, seeking donations from their owners. Some shops had displayed “no donation” boards.
Dasara festival was celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at Mangaladevi temple too. On 'Vijaydashami,' which is the last day of Dasara, idol of Mangaladevi was taken out for 'bali puje,' mounted on the head of the priest. The idol was placed inside the decked chariot and was taken for rounds around the temple.
Related: Tiger dance enthralls Mangaloreans
In Kollur
Thousands of children participated in the 'Vidyarmbha', a religious ritual marking the initiation of imparting education, at Sri Mookambika Temple, Kollur.
Over 15,000 devotees gathered in a single day of Vijaya Dashami, to be blessed by the idol of Mookambika.
The 'Vidyarambha' began in the wee hours of 4 am, which went till 12 noon. Children of below four years age, sitting on the laps of their parents were made to write on the rice kept in a tray, at Saraswathi Mantap, in front of the temple. Priest wrote 'Om' on the tongue using the golden ring of the respective parents.
Navanna Prashana, a sacred ritual marking the feeding of rice to children was also held at 12.30 pm. Thousands of devotees participated in the 'Rathothsava' held on Wednesday evening and collected the prasadam, which was followed by cultural programmes.
Comments
Add new comment