Mangalore: The largest of the processions in the city got under way with the dasara procession of Sri Gokarnanatheshwara, Kudroli, attracting thousands of devotees and spectators who thronged the streets on Wednesday evening to witness over 40 tableaux make their way through the city.

Starting at 4 p.m., the procession weaved its way through Mannagudde, PVS, Navabharat Circle, K.S. Rao Road, Ganapati High School Road, Mohini Vilas, Om Mahal junction, Car Street, Lower Car Street, New Chitra and Alake.

On streets decked with light and colour, the idol of goddess Sri Sharada was the first to emerge out of the temple to raucous screams. As the deity was paraded, devotees offered arathi, fruits, vegetables, and coconuts to the idol.

The idol of the goddess was followed by Lord Ganesh, goddesses Adishakti, Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kooshmandini, Skandamata, Katyayini, Mahakali, Mahagowri and Siddidatri, who were given a ‘darshan’ of Mangalore.

The pomposity of the procession was augmented by the fact that the temple was celebrating its centennial year, and the 10-day long festival witnessed devotees in their thousands offer their prayers at the temple.

Meanwhile, in South Mangalore, hundreds lined the streets to witness the annual rathotsava of the Mangaladevi temple, Bolar. In the afternoon, a bali puje was conducted, while later, the idol was taken in a chariot through Jeppu Main Road.

Source: The Hindu