Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 2: Amid spiritual fervour and vibrant cultural display, the much-awaited Mangaluru Dasara Shobhayatre was flagged off at Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple on Thursday evening. The ceremony was led by veteran Congress leader and former union minister B Janardhana Poojary, who is also the visionary behind the temple’s historic renovation.

The spectacular procession marks the culmination of the Navaratri celebrations that began on September 22. It features the ornately decorated idols of Lord Ganesha, the Navadurga goddesses, and Sharada Mata, all mounted on majestic chariots and accompanied by vibrant tableaux and cultural troupes.

“The Kudroli Dasara is not just a religious event—it is a celebration of unity, devotion and tradition,” said Janardhana Poojary while flagging off the procession, drawing applause from the large crowd gathered inside and outside the temple premises.

The Shobhayatre began with a ceremonial Mangalarati offered to the Navadurgas, following which the deities were taken out in a grand procession through the streets of Mangaluru. Covering key parts of the city, the procession will pass through various localities overnight and return to the temple via the Chitra Talkies route for the final visarjane (idol immersion) early Friday morning.

The event also featured participation from several local organisations presenting cultural tableaux, further enhancing the festive spirit that has become synonymous with Kudroli Dasara.

Prominent figures from political, religious and civic life were present on the occasion. Among them were MLC Ivan D’Souza, Jairaj Somaraj, president of the Kudroli Temple Management Committee, Urmila Ramesh, vice-president, and Devendra Poojary, president of the Temple Development Committee. Also in attendance were Dr B G Suvarna, vice-president, along with committee members Jagadeep Suvarna, Krutin Amin, Shailendra Suvarna, Harish Suvarna, Lathesh Kotian, and Radhakrishna Leelaksha Karkera.

Speaking to the media, Jairaj Somaraj said, “Kudroli Dasara continues to be a beacon of Mangaluru’s cultural identity. The overwhelming public participation shows how deeply rooted this tradition is.”

With its blend of religious rituals, artistic expression and mass public participation, the Kudroli Dasara procession remains one of coastal Karnataka’s most iconic festivals, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists alike.