Grand finale to Mangalore Dasara

The popular Mangalore Dasara procession of pomp and gaiety attracted thousands of devotees and tourists from various parts of the country on Monday.
The colourful procession marked the conclusion of famous Navaratri festival of Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple.

The procession of Goddess Sri Sharada, Navadurgas and Lord Ganesha idols brought festive spirit and spiritual feelings in the minds of devotees who thronged to have a glimpse of deities. The procession started from Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple after poojas and other religious rituals at around 4.30 pm. While idols of Goddess Sharada, Navadurgas and Lord Ganesha were taken in decked trucks, the presence of tableaux, traditional dances and musical instruments made the procession more vibrant and colourful.

The idol of Lord Ganesha was in the forefront of the procession which was followed by Adishakti, Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kooshmandini, Skandamata, Katyayini, Mahakali, Mahagowri, Siddidatri and Sharada.
Chende, dollu kunitha, veeragase kunitha, musical band and tableaux, which give description of Hindu religious heritage, preceded the idol procession. Meanwhile, all major roads in the city were decorated to welcome the procession. As the procession passed through the illuminated streets, devotees offered poojas, flowers and fruits to dieties.
The Mangalore Dasara procession which started from the Kudroli proceeded through Kumbla Road, Mannagudda Road, Lady Hill Circle, Lalbagh, Ballalbagh, PVS Circle, Navbharath Circle, KS Rao Road, Hampankatta, Ganapathi High School Road, Car Street and Alake and concluded at the temple in the wee hours.

Though the rain tried to play spoilsport while the procession was moving through the city, it could not dampen the festive spirit in devotees. Later, Balipooje and Mantapabali rituals will be organised in the temple.
The Navaratri festival concluded at the Kudroli temple with the immersion of Sri Sharada Mata idol after ‘Mantapa Pooja.’

At Mangaladevi Temple
Dasara festival was celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at Mangaladevi temple too. On ‘Vijaydashami,’ which is the last day of Dasara, idol of Goddess Mangaladevi was taken out for ‘bali puje,’ mounted on the head of the priest. The idol was placed inside the decked chariot and was taken for rounds around the temple.

In Kollur
As part of Navarathri, Chandikayaga and rathotsava was held at Kollur Sri Mookambika temple on Sunday.

Thousands of devotees took part in the rathotsava.
Owing to the court order, the utsava was held under the presence of DC as an administrator without the managing trustee.

The Vidyarambha programme was held on Monday. Vijayotsava programme was held in the evening.