Dasara festivities conclude with colourful procession

The procession of idols and tableaux and dances by various folk artistes marked the culmination of Dasara festivities at the Kudroli Gokarnanatheswara Temple here on Saturday.

The procession, which started around 6.30 pm from the temple, passed through Mannagudda, PVS, Navabharat Circle, K S Rao Road, Hampankatta, University College, Ganapathi High School Road, Car Street, Lower Car Street, New Chitra and Alake before culminating on Sunday morning, with the immersion of the idol of Goddess Sharada, the presiding deity of Navaratri, at the pond within the shrine’s precincts.

The Dasara procession started after a special prayer held under the guidance of veteran Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary. The procession had 70 tableaux, more than 30 tiger dance teams, Chende, Kombu, and other folk art teams. Colourful umbrellas, Dollu Kunitha team, Gombe Kunitha, Bhajan teams and other artistes added colour to the celebration.

The tableau carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha led the procession, followed by the tableaux carrying the portrait of Brahmasri Narayana Guru, idols of Adishakthi, Nava Durge - Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kooshmadhini, Skandamatha, Kathyayini, Mahakali, Gowri and Siddidhatri -- and that of Goddess Sharada, the much awaited among all.

The streets were decked up with light and colour. The idol of Goddess Sharada was the first to emerge out of the temple. As the deity was taken out, devotees performed Arathi, offered fruits, vegetables, and coconuts to the idol.

The Mannagudda Road leading to the temple from Lady Hill Circle was bustling with people ahead of the procession. While some had already occupied vantage points on the pavements and on buildings, bus stops and also the footpaths, some preferred to be on move to get close to the procession.

The devotees offered their obeisance when the tableaux carrying the idols stopped. Some also performed Puja, received vermilion in return and applied it on their foreheads.

Rathotsava
Hundreds of devotees lined up on the streets to take part in the annual Rathotsava of the Mangaladevi temple on Saturday. Later, Balipuja was conducted. The idol was taken out in  a chariot through Jeppu Main Road.