Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 26: Jagadguru Swastishree Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Panditacharya Mahaswamiji inaugurated the Savirakamba Basadi Laksha Deepotsava by lighting the ceremonial lamp on December 25, marking the beginning of a grand religious celebration. Apeksha Poornachandra also launched the Aparajita Shatka and Paramaaparanjyoti music, adding to the event's spiritual fervor.

The highlight of the evening was Swamiji’s message on how the Deepotsava symbolises the victory of knowledge over ignorance, urging everyone to embrace wisdom and cultural growth. His blessings and wishes for enlightenment resonated with the attendees.

The event honoured several achievers, with the Dhavalatraya Jain Kashi Trust recognizing renowned Sitar artist Dr Sumit Singh Padam, State Award winner Rashmita Yuvraj, and astronaut researcher K Prakruti Pole, among others.

Notable dignitaries, including Patna Shetty, Sudesh Kumar, YMC Bank President Bahubali Prasad, and entrepreneur Purnachandra Jain, graced the occasion. The programme was compered by Swastishree College principal, Soumyashri, who kept the event lively and engaging.

The celebration began with devotional bhajans by local Jain women and children, followed by a tribute to the late Tabla maestro Zakir Khan. The students of Swastishree Jain Residential PU College performed a captivating dance, and Dr. Sumit Singh Padam mesmerised the audience with his classical Sitar performance. His rendition of Shyam Kalyan Raag, along with Alap, Jod Alap, and other pieces, was a standout moment of the evening.

The night concluded with a collective singing of the Namokar Mantra, elevating the spiritual ambiance, while young tabla artist Vignesh from Moodubidire provided an outstanding performance. The grand finale included the Abhisheka of Bhagwan Chandra Prabhu Swami and the spectacular Laksha Deepotsava.