Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DC)
Mangaluru, Oct 14: Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy inaugurated 'Mangaluru Dasara' here at Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara temple on Sunday, October 14.
The chief minister inaugurated the week-long Dasara festivities by lighting the lamp in the presence of former MP and senior Congress leader Janardhana Poojary who is in-charge of Mangaluru Dasara celebrations.
Meanwhile, the CM sought blessings of Nava Durgas and also offered arati to the idol of Goddess Sharada.
Addressing the gathering he said, "Mangaluru Dasara is actually called as ‘Janatha Dasara’, because across the state, several come asking grants to organise Dasara programmes. Despite spending lot of money in Mangaluru Dasara, they never ask for any grants from the government. Hence it is called as ‘Janatha Dasara’. I am blessed to inaugurate Mangaluru Dasara.”
He also said, "There are many rich people in Dakshina Kannada while there are many who find it difficult to manage daily bread. Even endosulfan patients and their families live in pathetic condition. I pray to God that they will be blessed with happiness.”
District in-charge minister U T Khader, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik, MLC Harish Kumar, temple administrative committee president H S Sairam, treasurer Padmaraj, deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, police commissioner T R Suresh and others were present.
Thousands of pilgrims and devotees thronged the temple and the vibrant celebrations will conclude with the immersion of idols in Pushkarani, the temple pond on the last day.