Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 10: Charkop Kannada Bhavan in Vijay Co-operative Housing Society, Charkop, Sector 2, Kandivali West, witnessed the grand celebration of the annual Sharada Puja, organized by the Charkop Kannadiga Balaga, Kandivali, on October 6, from 9 am to 12 noon as part of their Navaratri festivities.

The event began at 9 am with the installation of Goddess Sharada and the Sankalpa Puja. Following this, under the guidance of Santosh Bhat, various Vedic religious rituals and the Sharada Puja were conducted. After a collective prayer by the women, who recited the "Aigiri Nandini" shloka, the Mahamangalarathi was performed. The women’s bhajan group of the balaga presented devotional songs, and later, prasadam was distributed to all.

Former MP and honorary president of the Balaga, Gopal C Shetty, who was present at the event, praised the success of the Sharada Puja, attributing it to the cooperation of all the members. He encouraged everyone to celebrate the festival with devotion, understanding the values of culture and tradition, and hoped for the blessings of Goddess Sharada to bring courage and strength to all.

Following the religious ceremonies, cultural programs were held where the members and children of the balaga performed various traditional dance performances. The event was compered by Tanuja Bhat, who also offered the vote of thanks.

Balaga president Ravindra M Shetty and his wife participated in the religious ceremonies. Key attendees included honorary president and general secretary Prakash M Kotyan, honorary treasurer Rajivi R Kotyan, annual event committee president Harish Chevar, women’s wing president Padmavathi B Shetty, coordinator Shanta N Bhat, trustee Jay C Shetty, businessman and social worker Mundappa S Payyade, honorary president of the Kandivali Kannada Sangha Jayakar Shetty, former president Shyam Shetty, president Jayapal Shetty, vice president of Poisar Gymkhana Karunakar Shetty, and others.

Also present were Mohan B Amin, president of the Billava Association Borivali local office, members of the balaga executive committee, office bearers of various subcommittees, and Tulu-Kannadigas from the local community.