Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Pics: Omkar Studio, Ambalpady
Udupi, Sep 1: Celebration and festive joy was in the air as hundreds of devotees on Thursday August 31 witnessed the Ganesha idol immersion by the Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samiti, Ambalpady.
The religious rituals commenced with devotion and gaiety with the installation of Ganesha idol at Lal Bahadur Shashtri ground, Ambalpady here on Friday August 25, in the presence of committee office-bearers and the devotees.
A formal stage function was held on the occasion.
Addressing at the valedictory programme, Dr N B Vijay Ballal, trustee of Sri Janardhan and Mahakali Temple said, "The late Chandra Shenoy started this Samiti to unite the Ambalpady youth. It is also a sign of dedication and devotion to God. The committee helps the poor and deprived. When the mind is pure and clean, one receives God's grace. When body and soul are in good health, everything is peaceful." He also advised children to take of their parents.
Nadoja Dr G Shankar in his presidential address said, "No parent should pressurise his or her child into any activity. This may cause negativity in the child.
"May God may give the committee members all strength to conduct various social service activities. May God may eradicate all evils in the society, " he said.
Former Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, businessman Suresh Shetty Gurme, Undivided Dakshina Kannada Fishing Federation president Yashpal Suvarna were present and addressed the gathering.
Prizes for winners of various competitions that were held over the seven days of celebrations were distributed by chief guests. Prominent personalities were felicitated for their dedicated service towards the society. Cheques were distributed to low-income families on the occasion.
A grand procession followed the stage function. It commenced from the Lal Bahadur Shashtri ground and comprised tableaux, band set, and tiger dances. An orchestra was arranged at Preetham Hegde Memorial Stage at Brahmagiri Circle, under the aegies of auto drivers union and devotees.
Fireworks added to the splendour of the celebration.
The grand procession was carried out in main junctions of the city, and the Ganesha idol was immersed at Lakshmi Janardhan Pushkarini.
Dr P V Bhandhari, psychiatrist, K Surya Prakash, managing director, Harsha Centre, Anand P Suvarna, businessman, Kodavoor, Dr P V Mailaya, physician, Ambalpady, Dr Gopal Bhat, Kadekar, Ajith Shetty, Yakshagana artiste, Shashikant Shenoy, honorary president of the Ganeshotsav committee, Dinakar Babu, president, zilla panchayat Udupi, Dinesh Puthran, and Sunil Kumar Kappettu, president, Ganeshotsav committee were present.
Mohandas Rao welcomed the gathering.
Seven-day celebrations
The seven-day Ganeshotsava celebrations culminated in a grand manner with religious fervour. Many cultural programmes and pujas were held during the seven days. It was the 40th year of celebration organised by Youth Sports and Cultural Club, Ambalpady.
Rajya sabha member Oscar Fernandes was present, to seek blessings on the first day and offered prayers to God. Speaking to daijiworld, he said, "During pre-independence years, Balaganangadhar Tilak introduced the concept of Sarvajaniak Ganeshotsava, to unite Indians, for the freedom movement. I hope the feast strengthens unity among youngsters. May Lord Ganesha bless all devotees with health and wealth. May he fulfil the desires of the people."
On the first day of the celebrations, Ganahoma and Maha Puja were performed as part of installation of the Idol. Orchestra was conducted by the most popular team Friends Melodies of Udupi. Artistes from Mangaluru, Coastal Karnataka and Kerala were present.
On the second day, Bhajans were held by Sri Nagaraja Mahila Seva Samiti, Bankerkatta Ambalpady. A Yakshagana 'Bhagavati Mahathme' was performed at night by Sri Bhagavati Prasaditha Dashavathara Mandali, Sasihithlu.
On the third day, Maha Anna Santharpana was served to thousands of devotees. Cultural performances were presented by Kala Sarathi Thonse Sri Pushkal Kumar and team, among other shows.
On the fourth day, Bhakti Sudha, devotional songs dedicated to Ganesha were sung by Sri Tulsi Das Kuthpady team.
On the fifth day, bhajans dedicated by Narayana Guru bhajana Mandira team Kediyoor were presented. Play 'May 22' was staged by artistes from Chaithanya, Karkala.
On the sixth day, 'Baggana Bhagyo' a tulu drama performed by artistes of Karavali, Malpe.
Drawing competitions on Ganesha and Balagangadhar Tilak, for different age groups, were organised on Sunday, August 20, by Lions Club Ambalpady as part of the Ganeshotsava celebrations.