Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Sep 3: The Dasara festival is round the corner. The public is eager to celebrate the same as the coronavirus has brought in a lot of financial hardships and also for the fact that people would like to have some fun and frolic amidst the continuous stress of many months.

Demands are being heard from the public to allow the grand Dasara celebration to be held in Mysuru as well as Mangaluru. Mangaluru Dasara is likely to be held from October 17. All preparations are on to hold the Dasara in the city along with the grand procession. The committee is waiting for the green signal from the government and also the guidelines for the same.

File Photo

Speaking on the subject, Padmaraj treasurer of Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara temple said, "Our country gives importance to festivals. The public is stressed out because of the coronavirus pandemic. Mangaluru Dasara, which was the dream of former union minister Janardhana Poojary is world famous now. Our devotees, as well as administrative committee members, are committed to conducting the Dasara celebration this year also and is not being done through government sponsorship.

"We will also try to hold the grand Dasara procession keeping in mind the guidelines which will be issued by the government. Dasara is going to start on October 17. There is 45 days time now. We are going to appeal regarding this soon with the state government. We are hopeful that the government will oblige. We are going to submit our appeal through our district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary," he said.

"Dasara will generate employment for many people and all hotels will be booked. So indirectly Dasara generates business to the public. So stopping this procession and celebration will inflict more financial loss to the people. We need to live with coronavirus. Religious festivals should take place as usual. We request the government to take the right action in this direction," he stressed.