Mangaluru Dasara 2024: Festivities to culminate with grand procession today

Mangaluru: The vibrant Mangaluru Dasara celebrations at the Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple will culminate in a grand procession today, October 13, starting at 4 PM. The event, organized under the leadership of the temple’s visionary leader, B. Janardhan Poojary, is expected to draw lakhs of devotees and participants.

The majestic procession, featuring intricately illuminated floats and vibrant tableaux, will showcase the deities Sri Mahaganapathi, Navadurga, and Sharada Devi. Cultural troupes from across Karnataka will add color and excitement to the event, with performances including traditional dance forms like Hulivesha (tiger dance), various other disguises, and Chende (drum) teams.

The grand procession will continue through the night and conclude on the morning of October 14 with the ceremonial immersion (Jalastambhana) of Goddess Sharada.

Celebrations at Mangala Devi Temple

Simultaneously, the Mangala Devi Temple will host a series of religious ceremonies starting in the morning on October 13. The highlight of the day will be the grand Vijayadashami Rathotsava (chariot festival) from 8 AM, followed byrituals, and the final Vijayadashami Mahapooja.

Sharada Devi Immersion at Rathabeedi Tomorrow

The 102nd year of the Sharada Mahotsava, organized by the Sri Sharada Mahotsava Samiti, will conclude tomorrow with the immersion procession of the Sharada Devi idol. The event will be presided over by the head of the Chitrapura Math, Srimad Sadyojata Shankarashrama Swamiji, at the Vasantha Mantapa near the Rathabeedi Sri Venkataramana Temple.

Dignitaries to Attend

The Mangaluru Dasara has drawn a large number of public figures, including prominent personalities from the film and sports industries. On Friday, District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited Kudroli Temple to offer prayers. Actor Sanjay Dutt and cricketer Shivam Dube participated in the festivities on Saturday. They had earlier visited the Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple. Bollywood actor Ahan Shetty and actors Rishab Shetty, Raj B. Shetty, and Roopesh Shetty also graced the occasion.