Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Nov 17: The annual Karthika Deepotsava at Gokula Shri Gopalakrishna Temple unfolded with exceptional grandeur on Sunday, November 16, continuing the vibrant tradition upheld over the past two years. Jointly organised by the Gopalakrishna Public Trust and the BSKB Association, this year’s festivities drew an impressive turnout of devotees.

The divine idol of Shri Gopalakrishna was exquisitely adorned with special tulasi and floral garlands by temple priest Veda Moorthi Ganesh Bhat, creating a truly enchanting sight. As the evening progressed, the temple doors opened to the resonant strains of mangala vadyas. Following the night pooja, chief priest V M Daregudde Srinivas Bhat ceremoniously lit the inaugural lamp, formally launching the Deepotsava celebrations.

BSKBA president Dr Suresh Rao, along with office-bearers and trustees of the Gopalakrishna Public Trust, participated in the traditional lamp-lighting. Soon after, hundreds of devotees—who had gathered in large numbers both inside the sanctum and in the outer courtyard—lit thousands of carefully arranged earthen lamps, transforming the temple environs into a shimmering sea of light.

After the ranga pooja, priest V M Ganesh Bhat carried the beautifully decorated utsava murti in a vibrant procession, accompanied by rhythmic chants, drums, and traditional instruments. The idol was then installed in an ornate pavilion crafted uniquely from a rich assortment of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Priest V M Daregudde Srinivas Bhat performed the Maha Mangalarati with full religious solemnity.

This was followed by ashtavadhana seva, conducted under the guidance of V M Ganesh Bhat, featuring Vedic recitations, music, dance, Yakshagana-style performance, and devotional singing. The utsava murti was later returned to the sanctum, where the final Mangalarati was offered, and tirtha prasada was distributed to the devotees.

The Gokula main gateway, tirtha mantapa, sanctum, and Gokula Sabha Hall were lavishly decorated with fresh flowers, while the special pavilion—adorned with produce and blossoms—stood out as a major attraction. The Sabha Hall overflowed with devotees and dignitaries alike, reflecting the scale of the celebrations.

Prasada distribution and the community meal for more than 500 devotees were efficiently managed by the pooja committee, volunteers, and the food committee. The evening concluded on a deeply devotional note, marking yet another memorable and magnificently celebrated Karthika Deepotsava at Gokula.