Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Oct 5: H S Sairam, president of Kudroli Shri Gokarnanatha Temple on Sunday October 4 said that this year's Dasara will be celebrated as per the Covid guidelines of the state government.

Sairam was speaking at the meeting of administrative commitee of the temple and other organizations that was held as a prelude to the Dasara festival celebration at the auditorium of the temple on Sunday, October 4.

Giving details of the guidelines under which the Dasara needs to be held, Sairam said, "It is not possible to hold Dasara festival in a grand manner as usual due to the Covid restrictions. Instructions have been given to use hand sanitizer, face mask and thermal scan for the devotees while visiting the temple during the festival. For this a team of around 150 to 200 volunteers will be formed."

Member of administrative committee Ravishankar Mizar said, "It is inevitable that we have to conduct the service to God as per tradition in spite of Covid pandemic. Separate entry and exit points will be made in view of the safety of the devotees arriving to the temple. Cooperation of eveyone is needed to hold the Dasara celebration in a successful manner."

R Padmaraj, treasurer of the temple said, "Mangaluru Dasara of this year will be held according to the intention and guidance of Janardhan Poojary, man behind the development of the temple. All guidelines of government will be followed and Dasara will be celebrated as per tradition. Care will be taken to avoid any inconvenience to the devotees arriving to the temple. Team of volunteers will be formed to carryout the guidelines."

Padmaraj also said, "This year's Dasara will be held with the slogan 'Namma Dasara Namma Surakshe' (Our Dasara, Our Safety). The administrative committee will take cetain decisions keeping in mind the offering of puja, distribution of Prasadam and safety of children and elderly people. Mangaluru Dasara is a celebration of all of us. Let us celebrate Dasars with priority to safety."

Leaders of various organizations, devotees and members of women's committee, who were present at the meeting gave their suggestions.

Entrepreneur Shailendra Suvarna, member of development committee Ramanath Karandoor, Radhakrishna Ashoknagar, Devendra Poojary, Shekhar Poojary and Leelaksha Karkera were present.