Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 28: The iconic Kalasha, once regarded as the crown of Mangaluru, has been reinstalled at Pumpwell Mahaveer Circle, years after it was removed in 2016 during the construction of the Pumpwell flyover. The Kalasha has now been placed at the circle located on the road leading from Pumpwell to Padil.

The relocation process began at 8:30 pm on Monday and was completed by 4:30 am on Tuesday. With the cooperation of the police department, Mescom staff, and local youths, the Kalasha was successfully reinstalled. Mangaluru Jain Society president Pushparaj Jain, secretary Sachin Kumar, treasurer Vijesh Ballal, former corporator Sandeep Garodi, along with over 40 members from various associations, extended their support during the operation.

Standing 30 feet tall and weighing 22 tonnes, transporting the Kalasha from Kankanady Road to Padil Road posed several hurdles. Since it could not be moved under the flyover, the trailer carrying it was diverted via Nanthoor. However, a signboard near the Karnataka Bank head office blocked the way, forcing the trailer to take a U-turn and return on the same road. The Kalasha was then transported via Jeppinamogaru, shifted to another road, and finally brought to Pumpwell Padil Road through the service road.

The entire operation lasted eight hours, involving the use of three cranes, a JCB, and a trailer.

Preparatory work at the installation site had begun nearly two months ago and was completed before the onset of monsoon. However, heavy rains delayed the relocation.

Speaking about future plans, Mangaluru Jain Society president Pushparaj Jain said, “We have built a circle at the site where the Kalasha has been installed. Within the next two months, we will beautify the structure and inaugurate it. Through this, we aim to spread the message of Bhagwan Mahaveer to the people.”

It may be recalled, the Kalasha was originally installed in 2006 at Mahaveer Circle on a 43-cent land. However, it was dismantled in March 2016 due to flyover construction and placed temporarily near the Pumpwell police outpost. Left without proper maintenance, the Kalasha remained in a neglected condition for nine years. Jain Society and community leaders had been persistently urging the city corporation for its relocation. A few months ago, the corporation approved the proposal, and the reinstallation was carried out in line with its guidelines.