Pics: A K Bhagwat

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Oct 4: A grand procession concluded the Udupi Dasara, Sharadotsava 10th year celebration, jointly organised by the Public Sharadotsav Committee Udupi and Paryaya Sri Puttige Sri Krishna Math Udupi, on October 3.

The procession was flagged off by Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puttige Math and junior pontiff Sri Sushrindra Theertha Swamiji at Rajangana, Krishna Math.

MLA Yashpal Suvarna, president of Udupi Public Sri Sharadotsava Committee Baikady Suprasad Shetty, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The procession of Goddess Sharada featured more than 30 tableaus, captivating the large gathering of devotees. Highlights included idols of Navadurga, along with nine women from Udyavara Pithrodi dressed up as Goddess Navadurga, tableaus of Goddess Mahishamardini, Goddess Saraswathi, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Ayodhya Rama Mandir, along with a vibrant cultural display such as chende, Kunitha Bhajan, tiger dance and other traditional performances, which added grandeur to the event. Unique attractions like the huge gorilla from Chikkamagalur Mudigere and an artificial elephant drew special attention.

The procession route covered Kalsanka, Udupi City bus stop, Bannanje, Karavali bypass Adi Udupi, Pandubettu, Kalmady, Malpe and culminated at Malpe Beach.

At Malpe, the celebrations continued with decorative lighting, fireworks, bhajans, and the traditional Ganga Aarathi, organised with the support of Malpe Bhajan Mandir. The festivities concluded with the immersion of the idols of Devi in the sea, marking the grand finale of the Udupi Dasara.