The Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple is gearing up to host the Mangaluru Dasara 2015 starting October 13 and ending with a colourful procession on October 23.
The temple committee spokesperson Harikrishna Bantwal told presspersons here on Saturday that all the arrangements were in the final stages. The committee has decided to hold Brahma Kalasha to mark the silver jubilee of the temple, as well as to seek the blessings of the rain gods on the State, on October 16.
Mr. Harikrishna said the Mangaluru Dasara would be held with usual grandeur under the leadership of the former Union Minister B. Janardhana Poojary. Thousands of tourists from across the country as well as abroad are expected to attend the celebrations, he said.
The larger-than-life idols of Nava Durgas and Sharada would be installed at 11 a.m. on October 13 while Mangaluru City Police Commissioner S. Murugan would symbolically inaugurate the event by lighting the lamp.
Cultural programmes would be inaugurated by Karnataka Bank Managing Director and CEO P. Jayarama Bhat at 6.30 p.m. on the same day, Mr. Harikrishna said.
The temple would receive Hore Kanike (offerings in kind by devotees) on October 14; those intending to offer Hore Kanike should bring it to Nehru Maidan at 3 p.m. and thereafter move in a procession to the temple, he said.
While Chandika Homa would be performed on October 21, mega Anna Santarpane is organised on October 22. The Dasara procession would commence at 4.30 p.m. on October 23, Mr. Harikrishna said.
Cracker-bursting has been banned during the procession following directions from the police as the roads the procession passes through have been decorated with electrical lights. Those bursting crackers would be dealt punished according to law, Mr. Harikrishna warned.
He added that about 70 tableaus were expected to be part of the procession, and those bringing the tableaus should get prior permission from the temple committee.
Various cultural programmes, including danceand music shows have been organised in the evenings during the celebrations, Mr. Harikrishna added.
Hore Kaanike submission on October 14
About 70 tableaus in the procession on October 23
About 20 lakh bulbs used for decorative lighting of 9 km
