Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)

Mangalore, Oct 22: Kudroli Shree Gokarnanatheshwara Temple dazzled in myriad colours on Tuesday October 21 as hundreds of sky lanterns adorned the temple's premises during the 'Goodudeepa (sky lantern) Pantha' competition organized by Namma Kudla as part of Diwali celebrations.

"Goodudeepa (sky lantern) brings more brightness to Diwali, and it is commendable that such competitions are organized," said mayor Mahabala Maarla after inauguratting the competition organised.

Addressing the gathering, Anand K, associate vice-president of Udayavani said, "Gathering all the sky lanterns at one place and celebrating Diwali is blissful. By doing this, the festive feeling has heightened."

H S Sairam, president, Kudroli Temple, Damodar Nisarga, A C Bhandari, Raghavendra Kulur, B G Suvarna, Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli, Kadri Navneet Shetty, B P Karkera, Namma Kudla president, Harish B Karkera, Leelaksha B Karkera, Suresh B Karkera, Mohan B Karkera, Santhosh B Karkera and others were present on this occasion.

Kadri Navneet welcomed the guests. Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli proposed the vote of thanks.

Unique sky lanterns in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes provided visual treat to the people. Vignesh, a participant, had prepared Goodudeepa with the help of buttons, for which he used 18,400 buttons. MSc student Yogita had prepared Goodudeepa with the help of beedis. Students from St Aloysius College, Atul and Annen used Mentos mints to prepare the lanterns.

The Goodudeepa competition was held in three categories - traditional, modern and special models. Gold medals were presented to the first three winners in all the three categories along with certificates and mementos.