Mangalore, September 25: Dasara celebrations at the Sri Gokarnanatha Temple in Kudroli at Mangalore began in the presence of luminaries on September 25th, Thursday with pomp and religious ceremonies. On the very first day of Navarathri, the idols of Goddess Sharada and the Navadurgis were installed in the Temple.
Mayor Mahabala Maarla by lighting the lamp traditionally inaugurated the celebrations. Ramesh Kumar, businessman and his spouse Urmila Ramesh Kumar graced the occasion among others. The Temple Committee office bearers and members were also present.
The idols of Navadurgis namely Kooshmandini, Chandraghanta,Brahmacharini, Shailaputri, Adi Shakti, Mahagowri,Sidhidhatri, Mahakali, Katyayini and Skandamata have been installed and are attracting huge mass even this year.
Harikrishna Bantwal spoke on the occasion and said, the Mangalore Dasara celebrations at the Temple is a fabulous display of harmony and unity when devotees not only from the city but from abroad throng the shrine to be a part of the festivity.
The idols have been installed in Gokarnanatha Hall which has been decorated wonderfully and the entire temple appears to be glimmering. Festivities will wind-up with a grand and procession on October 4th, which features idols of Goddess Sharada, Mahaganapathi and Navadurgis in addition to several tableaux.