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Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Oct 18: The ninth edition of Udupi Dandiya was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Kadiyali Higher Primary School grounds on Saturday, October 17, bringing together people of all ages for an evening of music, dance, and cultural festivities.

The event was organised under the leadership of the youth wing of the Udupi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava Samiti, Kadiyali. Lucky coupon draws, a children's cultural fashion show, and various dance activities added to the festive atmosphere.

The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp in the presence of Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, former MLA K Raghupathi Bhat, Badagubettu Credit Cooperative Bank president Indrali Jayakar Shetty, Udupi Sarvajanik Shree Ganeshotsava Samiti president Vasanth Bhat, convener Mattaru Ganesh Kini, chief secretary K Raghavendra Kini, treasurer M Vallabh Bhat, youth wing president Pradeep Shetty, honorary president Ashwath Devadiga, youth wing chief secretary Shreyas Devadiga Kadiyali, treasurer Vignesh Prabhu, Vivek Kamath, and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Yashpal Suvarna said there had long been a desire to organise a public Dandiya celebration in Udupi, and that the initiative had now successfully completed nine years. He appreciated the efforts of the Udupi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava Samiti youth wing president Pradeep Shetty and his team for bringing young people together and making the event a success.

Former MLA K Raghupathi Bhat said that the celebrations had gained fresh momentum this year with the active participation of the youth and women's teams. He expressed hope that the event would continue to grow as a public celebration where families could come together and enjoy Dandiya.

A special felicitation was accorded to Udupi's young Bharatanatyam exponent Vidushi Deeksha, popularly known as the 'Golden Girl of Udupi', for performing Bharatanatyam continuously for 216 hours and earning recognition in the Golden Book of World Records.

Dhanalakshmi Poojary, a member of India's women's kabaddi team that won the 2025 World Cup, was also felicitated by the youth wing. Addressing the gathering, she said she had remained committed to her goal despite health challenges, emphasising that determination and hard work were essential to achieving success.

Roopashree Varkady, who won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 72nd National Film Awards for her performance in the Kannada film 'Mithya', directed by Sumanth Bhat, was also honoured during the programme.

The cultural celebrations continued with enthusiastic participation in Dandiya. Families, groups of friends, and other participants took to the dance floor to the music of DJ Swastik, while compere Akash Hebbar maintained a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.

A cultural fashion show for children studying up to Class 10 was another highlight, providing young participants an opportunity to showcase their talent and confidence.

The ninth edition of Udupi Dandiya concluded on a festive note, with children, youngsters, and adults joining in the celebrations, strengthening the spirit of community participation.