Mangalore:  The much awaited event of the year, the Navaratri  programmes at the Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple at Kudroli in Mangalore, commenced on  October 16, Thursday with the installation of the idol of Goddess Sharada and also the idols of the Navadurgis.

Western Range IGP Pratap Reddy and his wife lighted the lamp to mark the inauguration of the festivities. Rohan Monteiro, MD of Property Infratech, Rajendra Kumar, SCDCC Bank Chairman, Builder Ramesh Kumar, his wife Urmila Ramesh Kumar, Kudroli Temple Management Board President Sairam and others were present.

The  tastefully decorated Temple Hall where the idols of the Goddesses have been installed along with the idol of Lord Ganesha, is already attracting devotees from far and near. A Huli Vesha Team also added splendor to the occasion. A large number of devotees had gathered to witness the ceremony.

Sonia to inaugurate Centenary fete on Oct 18: Later, speaking to reporters, Harikrishna Bantwal, Member of the Temple Development committee, said the centenary celebrations of the temple will be inaugurated by Congress President Sonia Gandhi on October 18. He said the Congress President who will arrive at the Temple at 6 pm will be in the Temple for one and a half hours.

He said only a limited number of passes will be issued and added 2000 people will be allowed entrance but they cannot leave the temple premises until the function is over for security reasons. He also said mobile phones, cameras and other electronic gadgets are not permitted. The passes will be issued from October 17.

He also said tight security arrangements will be in place.