Uchila Dasara 2024: Grand Procession and Cultural Performances

Udup: The grand immersion procession of the Uchila Dasara festival was flagged off on Saturday, October 12, by  Nadoja Dr. G. Shankar and Shalini Shankar, at the Sri Mahalaxmi Temple in Uchila.

Led by the temple’s chief priest, Kukkikatte Raghavendra Tantri, and head priest Raghavendra Upadhyaya, a ceremonial Maha Mangalarathi was conducted for Navadurga and Goddess Sharada, followed by the immersion rituals. The colorful procession started from Uchila at 3:20 PM and passed through National Highway 66, covering locations such as Ermalu, Uchila, and Muloor, before reaching Koppalangaadi.

The procession then moved along Kapu Beach Road and ended at the Ocean Beach Resort near Kapu Beach, where the idols were ceremonially immersed in the sea. Despite heavy rains in Udupi earlier, only light showers were experienced in Uchila. Thousands of devotees participated in the procession, undeterred by the rain.

Grand Gangarathi Ritual

The highlight of the procession was the grand Gangarathi ritual at Kapu Beach, where thousands of married women participated in a mass Maha Mangalarathi. The event was modeled after the traditional Gangarathi performed along the banks of the Ganges in Kashi. A mesmerizing fireworks display and musical performances further entertained the large gathering. In a unique visual spectacle, a makeshift island was created in the middle of the sea using boats.

Drone Floral Offering

Following the immersion rituals, the Navadurga and Sharada idols were brought to the temple’s Mahadwara (main gate), where prominent figures performed floral offerings. In a notable innovation, flower offerings were also made using drones, led by the team under the leadership of Shiv.

Dignitaries and Spectators

A grand audience, including elected representatives like MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty and Yashpal Suvarna, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, and businessman Prasad Raj Kanchan, witnessed the magnificent procession. Other notable attendees included Jaya C. Kotyan, President of the Mogaveera Mahajan Sabha, Vinay Karkera, Chairman of the Dasara Committee, and Anand C. Kundar, President of the Kulamahasthri Temple Committee.

The 10-day Uchila Dasara festival attracted lakhs of devotees. On the day of the immersion procession, over two lakh people visited the temple, with more than 50,000 receiving Annadanam (temple food). The event’s smooth execution was ensured by the Udupi police department and numerous volunteers.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of Uchila Dasara,” said G. Shankar, the festival’s lead organizer.