Festive spirit of Gowri-Ganesha festival in coastal Karnataka

Mangaluru/Udupi: There is a festive atmosphere in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts as residents were seen preparing for a grand celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. The Gowri Habba (Festival) will be celebrated on Friday, followed by the installation of Ganapati idols on Saturday.

A total of 386 public Ganesh Utsava celebrations will take place in DK, with 165 in the Mangaluru city and rural police commissionerate areas and 221 in other parts of the district.

Final preparations, including the construction of pandals, welcome arches, and light decorations, are in progress. Idol makers are giving the final touches to the Ganapati idols.

Preparations in Udupi

Udupi is also gearing up for the festival, with homes and public Ganesh Utsav committees making necessary arrangements.

The city witnessed a surge in shopping activity on Thursday, with women busy purchasing items required for the Gauri festival. Most women will perform the puja at home on Friday, while some may visit temples, where special prayers will be held.

Traffic Congestion  

Shoppers crowded shops and malls, with major traffic congestion seen in areas like Kalsanka, City Bus Stand, Tenkapete, and Badagupete. Despite intermittent rain, the crowd remained steady, with shopping continuing late into the night.

Flower Purchases

A large number of traders from outside districts have come to the city to sell flowers, and both flower and fruit markets saw brisk business. There was also a notable increase in the purchase of bakery items for the festivities.