Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS)
Mangalore, Aug 30: The 6th annual Ganeshotsava organized by Jeppinamogaru Sarvajanika Sri Ganeshotsava Samiti was held here on Friday August 30 with much pomp, fanfare and devotion.
The celebration was inaugurated by MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D'Souza and MD of Kanchan Group. Health minister U T Khadar too attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, J R Lobo said, "Ganesh Chaturthi is being organized by Jeppinamogeru Sri Ganeshotsava Samiti for the sixth year. This is a beautiful programme. People from different communities come here to celebrate. It is not just a cultural event but a religious one, where rituals are held and mantras are chanted that cleanse the soul and enhance one's spirituality. This practice of celebrating together should continue every day. Let this festival bring happiness to all Mangaloreans."
Ivan D'Souza in his address said, "Jeppinamogaru is known for giving leaders to society, like Krishna Palemar. This area has produced people with leadership qualities. I have been visiting Ganeshotsava celebrations here for the last six years. Last year when I came, I was the general secretary of KPCC, but today, because of the blessings of people, I am MLC." He further entreated people to bless him in his political career.
"Ganeshotasava is the only festival where people of all communities come together and celebrate. Even Chrsitians contribute to Ganeshotsava every year and raise funds for the festival," he added.
"Bal Gangadhar Tilak had started the practice of celebrating Ganeshotsava publicly as a means of uniting the people from diverse communities against the British. In the same spirit, now we have to be united against all the evils and injustice in society," he urged.
U T Khadar said, "I was attending this celebration even before I became MLA. Now I am happy to be here as a minister. People from all communities celebrate this festival together, and it is perhaps the only festival that see so much enthusiasm from all irrespective of caste. I will try to bring more development works to Jeppinamogaru and my constituency in the coming days."
Devotional programmes and music were part of the celebrations.
After the formal programme, a grand procession was taken out from Jeppinamogaru to Kadakkaru, culminating in the immersion of the Ganesha idol. Colourful tableax and music bands added spark to the procession.