Mangalore : The grand shobhayatra of Mangalore Dasara commenced from Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple on October 4, Saturday.

The idol of Goddess Sharada accompanied by Navadurga and Lord Ganesha idols was taken out in a colourful procession marked the conclusion of famous Navaratri festival.

The procession of Goddess Sri Sharada, Navadurgas and Lord Ganesha idols brought festive spirit and spiritual feelings in the minds of devotees who thronged to have a glimpse of deities.

The idol of Lord Ganesha was in the forefront of the procession which was followed by Adishakti, Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kooshmandini, Skandamata, Katyayini, Mahakali, Mahagowri, Siddidatri and Sharada.

The traditional folks like Kerala, Chende, dollu kunitha, veeragase kunitha, musical band, Bangalore Brass Band, Somana Kunita of Daravada, Bajana Troup Gadag and tableaux depicting religious episodes, preceded the idol procession.

The city was decorated to welcome the procession. As the procession passed through the illuminated streets, devotees offered poojas, flowers and fruits to deities.

Including the tableaux of idols, a total of 40 tableaux have participated in the procession. The city was decked with 20 lakhs bulbs throughout the 9 km stretch arranged by 25 electrical contractors.

The Mangalore Dasara procession commenced from Kudroli Temple proceeding through Kambla Road, Mannagudda, Lady Hill Circle, Lalbagh, Ballalbagh, PVS Circle, Navbharath Circle, KS Rao Road, Hampankatta, Ganapathi High School Road, Car Street and Alake and concluded at the temple in the early morning on Oct 5.

Later, Balipooje and Mantapabali rituals will be organised in the temple.

Later, the Navaratri festival concluded at the Kudroli temple with the immersion of Sri Sharada idol at Pushkarani after Balipooje, Mantapabali and Mantapa Pooja.

Mangalore Dasara Photo Album Slide show