Mangaluru : 10- day ‘Navaratri Mahotsava’ at Shree Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, Kudroli was inaugurated by Mangaluru city Police Commissioner T R Suresh on Thursday here.

Followed by devotees, Sharada idol was taken in the procession with bands led by Huli Vesha. After various rituals Sharada idol was installed. The idols of Navadurgas in various incarnations namely Adhishakthi, Shailaputhri, Bhramacharini, Chandraganta, Kooshmandini, Skandamatha, Kathyayini, Mahakali, Mahagowri and Siddidhatri were in place.

Police commissioner T R Suresh who was thrilled said, ”that decorations with colorful lights has made Mangaluru city look beautifully for Dasara and large number of people sought god’s blessings. I wish people a happy Dasara,”

“In view of cultural programmes and processions security arrangements in entire district have been tightened deploying police officers to avoid untoward incidents”, said COP T.R.Suresh.

Everyday cultural programmes by renowned artistes will be held at Santhoshi Kalapantapa. Chandika Homa will be held on September 28, followed by Maha Pooja and Maha Anna Santharpana programme on September 29.

30 th September being the tenth day of Dasara, procession will be carried out from Kudroli, led by Ganapathi, and followed by Navadurga and Sharada idols. 75 tableaus are expected to take part and will pass through colourfully lit main streets of the city for around 7 km. As usual Procession will start from Kudroli – Lady hill – Lalbhag – Ballalbagh – Hampanakatta – VV College – Ganapathi High school road – Car street- New Chitra talkies and will be end up for immersing of the idols at temple tank in Kudroli premises.

Mayor Kavitha Sanil, Committee members Harikrishna Bantwal, H S Sairam, Dharmaraj and others were present and at Mangaladevi temple, Dasara was inaugurated earlier in the day with hundreds of devotees thronging the temple.