Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Sep 25: The Udupi Ucchila Mahalakshmi Temple is set to host the third edition of the ‘Udupi Ucchila Dasara-2024,’ from October 3 to 12, with various religious and cultural programmes.
Dr G Shankar, honorary adviser, Dakshina Kannada Mahajan association (R), addressing media on Wednesday, September 25, said, “We renamed the Ucchila Dasara as 'Udupi Ucchila Dasara.' We have organized ‘Dharmika Pravachana’ every day by a different person. Various entertainment programmes, such as laser show, Yakshagana, tiger dance, body building and others have been organized. The wrestling competition will take place in the Saraswathi School playground.”
The grand procession on the final day October 12 will commence from Yermal, pass through Ucchila, and conclude at Kaup beach. To address concerns from the previous year, the DJ presence during the procession has been reduced to one. The procession will feature traditional performances, including Bhajan, tiger dance, and elaborate tableaux, along with a group Kumkumarchane involving 1,000 women and an Arathi to Samudra Raja, starting promptly at 4 PM.
The event is organized in collaboration with the Department of Kannada and Culture, along with the support of devotees. This year, the festivities will be conducted with strict adherence to traditions and guidelines, especially considering the ongoing election code of conduct.
Authorities from the Udupi district administration, the local police department, and media partners are expected to extend their full cooperation once again for this year’s events.
The key events of the celebrations are inauguration of Vidyuddipaalankara on October 2, at 6.30 PM, at the Kaup seaside lighthouse with the presence of distinguished guests, Dasara festivities will kickoff on October 3, exhibitions and cultural programmes, various fairs, information camps, and exhibitions on the same day, followed by the inauguration of the newly renovated office of the Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangh, commemorating its 100th anniversary.
Various religious and cultural programmes have been organized like Chandikahoma, Kalpokta pooja, group Kumkumarchane by women, performances by professional troupes, including magic shows, Yakshagana, Bharatanatyam, Harikathe, and folk dances, group dance performances featuring 40 teams from coastal districts around the temple’s chariot area. Dandiya dance and a special music event with 101 veenas being performed simultaneously, a nightly laser show highlighting the Dasara festival and the temple’s significance, starting at 8 PM each evening, floral offerings to Goddess Sharada and the temple elephant through drone technology are the other specialities.
Additionally, there will be contests such as dance competition, a children's disguise contest, wrestling, and rangoli contest.
During the procession, spectators can expect a spectacular light display, a laser show, and traditional rituals conducted by priests and community members. Local businesses are encouraged to decorate their premises without regard to caste or creed, fostering a spirit of unity.
The organizing committee emphasizes that adequate parking and facilities will be provided for devotees, with daily support from around 1,500 volunteers, students, and guides to ensure a seamless experience. The media is invited to promote participation, encouraging devotees to join in the festivities over the 10-day celebration.
President of Ucchila Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha Jaya C Kottian Bellampalli, president of Ucchila Temple Management Committee Giridhar S Suvarna, president of Udupi Uchchila Dasara Committee Vinay Karkera, vice president of Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha Mohan Bengre, general secretary Sharan Mattu, treasurer Ratnakar Kottian, joint secretary Shijit Salyan, temple administrator Satish Ameen Padukere and others were present.