Manjeshwar : Bharani Mahotsava was celebrated with grandeur at the Kanila Shree Bhagavathi Kshetra at Manjeshwar in Kasargod District on March 21. Various religious and cultural programmes were organised as part of festivities.

A religious programme  held on March 21 night was inaugurated by state minister for Mujrai and Ports Kota Srinivas Poojari. In his address,   Poojari said the temple located on a hill top was a great pilgrim shrine in a  peaceful locale. He said man can imbibe good thoughts and principles by praying to God with devotion.

Vedamurthi Bolanthakodi Sri Ram Bhat delivered a religious discourse. Rohidas S Bangera, Honorary President of Kanila Shree Bhagavathi Kshetra  Bharani Samithi, was present  on the dais.

 Dr Dayananda K Kumble, Managing Director of Jai Ananda Hospital, Mumbai,  Kanila Shree Bhagavathi Kshetra Bhandara Nilaya  Reconstruction Committee Working President Babu T Bangera, Kanila Bhagavathi Seva Sangha Mumbai President Ravi S Manjeshwar, KP Aravind, former president Theeya Samaj Mumbai,  D Damodaran, Regional Manager of NMG Bank, Kasargod, were on the dais.

Vishwanath Kuduru, President of the Kanila Bhagavathi Kshetra Bharani Trust, presided over the function. Founder Members U Taniappa Suvarna, Mumbai and V Mahalinga Varkady were honoured on the occasion in connection with the golden jubilee of the Kshetra Bharani Samithi.

On behalf of Bhagavathi Seva Sangha, Vamanjoor, Senior  citizen Babu Gurikara and Tulu film star and comedian Aravind Bolar were felicitated.

K Narayana. General Secretary of the Kshetra Bharani Samithi, welcomed the gathering and compered the programme.

Various rituals including Bali Utsav, Bimba Darshan,  Madasthana, Sarpakala, Moodanade, Avabhritha Kalasha and Kanchil Seve were held from 10 pm onwards.