Pics: Devdas Kamath
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Apr 16: The Ashtabandha Brahmakalashotsava of Bannanje Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple commenced with a grand and vibrant ‘Horekanike’ procession on April 15, ahead of the main rituals scheduled from April 16 to April 20.
The colourful procession began from Jodukatte and proceeded via Service Bus Stand road before reaching the temple premises, where the offerings were ceremoniously submitted.
Dr G Shankar, proprietor of Shamili Group of Institutions and honorary advisor of the Brahmakalashotsava committee, flagged off the procession and conveyed his best wishes. The religious rituals were performed by chief priest P Vasudeva Upadhyay.
The procession witnessed enthusiastic participation from devotees, especially women carrying traditional offerings adorned with decorative titles. A massive Shiva Linga replica, chende and band performances, bhajans, and cultural attractions such as Keelu Kudure dance, Yakshagana costume dolls, and various tableaus added to the grandeur.
Special attractions included portrayals inspired by popular movie characters like Karunakara Guruji, Bhava and Ravianna, along with tiger dance performances, a giant tiger figure, Hanuman costume, and a striking tableau depicting Lord Shiva seated on Nandi, captivating the large gathering of spectators.
Under the leadership of Dr G Shankar and Hariyappa Kotian, over 250 vehicles representing various organizations, bhajana mandirs, and associations participated in the procession, including nearly 100 vehicles in a coordinated Horekanike.
Among those present were chief tantri P Shashikanta Tantri, temple management committee president B Madhav Poojary, Brahmakalashotsava committee convenor Ramesh Kanchan, Ujwal Developers’ Purushottam Shetty, Kanchan Hyundai’s Prasad Raj Kanchan, Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha president Jaya C Kotian, taluk Brahmana Mahasabha president Srikanth Upadhyaya, former MLA Raghupati Bhat, entrepreneur Bhuvanendra Kidiyoor, and several other prominent personalities. Temple priests, members of the management committee, representatives from eight traditional ‘Maganes’, Brahmakalashotsava committee members, and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.