Mangalore:  Sri Ramotsava celebrations   were inaugurated at Nehru Maidan in Mangalore on April 19, Friday under the joint aegis of Vishwa Hindu Parishat, Bhajrangdal, Durgavahini, Matra Mandali and Sri Ramotsava Samithi. LD Ballal hoisted the flag in the presence of several dignitaries. Prior to the inaugural  Sri Rama Pratishtapane, Ganahoma and Go Pooja were held.

A music CD ‘Bhaktara Dasa Bhagavatha’, by Shashikala Kadri, poet and former corporator was released by Pushparaj Jain, President of the Ramotsava Samithi . Jeetendra Kottary, district Dharma Prasarana Pramukh of VHP,  L Sridar Bhat, President of Mangala Seva Trust, Krishnamurthy, zonal secretary of VHP, Jagadish Shenava and  Sharan Pumpwell  were among others were present.

The three day festivities will feature a variety of religious and cultural programmes. The festivities will culminate with the burning of the effigy of demon Ravana –“Ravana Dahana” on April 21, Sunday. A 25 feet tall effigy has also been installed at Nehru Maidan.