By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Mangaluru: The Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple in Mangaluru came alive on Monday, September 22, as the 10-day Dasara celebrations commenced with grandeur, devotion, and cultural splendour. The inauguration was performed by Jitakamanandaji Maharaj, president of Ramakrishna Mission, Mangaluru, and Brahmakumari Vishweshwari Ji, head of Brahmakumaris, Mangaluru, in the presence of former Union Minister and temple development patron B Janardhan Poojary.
As part of the rituals, the idols of Navadurga and Goddess Sharada were installed with devotional fervour. The idol of Goddess Sharada was brought in a simple yet graceful procession within the temple premises. The atmosphere was further elevated by a vibrant performance of the traditional tiger dance. Congress leader R Padmaraj, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, and MP Captain Brijesh Chowta were among the dignitaries present.
Cultural programmes and honours
Over the next nine days, the temple will host several cultural competitions and devotional programmes, including dance, drawing, and Rudra Tandava contests. This year’s festival is themed around the confluence of Vedic traditions, music, literature, art, sportsmanship, and religious devotion centred on the worship of Navadurges.
On the inaugural evening, cultural events were inaugurated by NMPT Chairman Dr Venkataraman Akkachuraju and Union Bank of India Mangaluru Zone Head Rajendra Kumar. Social service institutions such as Sanidhya Special School, White Doves Mangaluru, and M Friends Charitable Trust were honoured. Bharatanatyam artistes Remona and Deeksha Suvarna, who earned a place in the Golden Book of World Records, were also felicitated.
On September 25, the Dasara Mahotsava will be officially inaugurated under the chairmanship of B Janardhan Poojary, in the presence of Speaker U T Khader, MP and AICC leader K C Venugopal, and district-in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. A mass Chandika Homa will be performed on September 28 at 9 am.
Cultural highlights
This year’s cultural calendar is set to showcase nearly 40 troupes with over 1,500 artistes. Performances will feature Bharatanatyam, Yakshagana, Talamaddale, folk dances, jugalbandis, Harikatha, magic shows, devotional dance dramas, and Saptaveena concerts. A special highlight is the presentation of Navarasas through multiple art forms.
Literary events
The temple will also host literary activities. On September 23, a multilingual poets’ meet will be held in collaboration with Rangasangathi Cultural Foundation, presided over by Kannada Development Authority chairman Dr Purushothama Bilimale. Poets will recite in diverse languages such as Sanskrit, Kannada, Arebhashe, Beary, Konkani, Havyaka, Kundagannada, Koraga, Shivalli Tulu, and Tulu.
A separate Tulu poets’ meet will be chaired by former Hampi University vice-chancellor Dr K Chinnappa Gowda. Selected poems from a postal competition will be compiled and released during the event.
Competitions and children’s events
On September 24, the Muddu Sharade & Navadurges Contest will be held for children. On September 26, the state-level Dasara Classic Bodybuilding Contest will take place. The third annual Dasara Marathon is scheduled for September 28, featuring 21K, 10K, 5K, and 2K sari runs with a prize pool of Rs 1 lakh.
Children’s Dasara will be celebrated on September 28 with kinnipili, painting, and music competitions. The day will begin with an inauguration by child prodigy Agnivu, followed by a colourful procession led by children.
Extraordinary Woman Award
From September 22 to October 2, one remarkable woman achiever will be honoured daily at 7:30 pm with the Extraordinary Woman Award – 2025. Awardees include Vanaja Poojary (social service – Mokshadham), Venkamma Kudambettu (gynaecologist), Shalet (animal care), Sushila Panar (pardhan), Yogakshi Ganesh (Yakshagana troupe leader), Janaki Kodyadka (folk medicine), Tabassum (HIV orphan care), B M Rohini (Kannada and Tulu literature), and Rohini Jagram (Tulu theatre & cinema).
Religious rituals
Navaratri will witness daily bhajans and special homas, beginning with Durga Homa on September 23. Panchadurga, Aryadurga, Ambikadurga, Bhagavati Durga, Chandika, Mahishamardini Durga, Saraswati, and Vagishwari Durga homas will follow until October 2. The celebrations will conclude on October 3 with Sharada visarjane, avabhrutha snana, and Guru Puja.
Grand procession
The festival’s grand finale will be the majestic procession on October 2, beginning at 4 pm under the leadership of B Janardhan Poojary. The idols of Navadurgas, Ganapati, and Sharada Mata will be taken across city roads including Kambla Road, Mannagudde, Narayana Guru Circle, Lalbagh, Ballalbagh, PVS Circle, KS Rao Road, Hampankatta, and Car Street, before returning to Kudroli Temple.
The Kudroli Dasara celebrations, a vibrant mix of devotion, tradition, art, and culture, are once again poised to attract thousands of devotees and visitors from across the region.
