'Mangaluru Dasara' from Oct 7 under strict COVID guidelines

Mangaluru: Mangaluru Dasara celebrations at the Kudroli Shri Gokarnanatha Temple will be held from October 7 to October 16, under the guidance of former union minister B Janardhana Poojari. The theme for this year would be “Namma Dasara – Namma Surakshe” (Our Dasara – Our Safety).

The office of the district magistrate has given a go-ahead to the organising committee and the festivities will be held as per the government guidelines, said the head of the temple’s administrative committee H.S. Sairam.

No Processions

There won’t be a procession for the Sharada idol immersion.  However, other religious rituals would be performed. Like last year, the prasada will be distributed every day from 12.30 PM till 2.30 PM, he added.

LIVE telecast of cultural events

Treasurer of the temple administration Padmaraj R informed that the cultural programmes will be telecast live on local TV channels.

Street decoration by MCC

From this year, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has taken up the responsibility for the lighting of main roads. This has been done as per the promise made by MLA D Vedavyas Kamath during the Dasara celebrations in 2020, said a member of temple administration, Harikrishna Bantwal.

In view of the pandemic, those who attend the festivities have to compulsorily wear a face mask. Entry will be denied to anyone who doesn’t follow the guidelines, the temple administration warned.

Details of the programme:

October 7: The Mahanavami festival will begin. Installation of Navadurga and Sharada idols  at 11:40 AM

Special pujas and homas will be held every day.

October 15: Evening maha puja and festivities, Sharada idol immersion at 8 PM

October 16:  Bhajane at 7 PM and Guru Pooja at 7.30 PM