When we say Dasara, the first thing that comes to our mind is the Iconic Mysuru Dasara. The way Mysuru gears up for this 10-day feast has no match. However, Dasara celebrations of Karnataka is not just confined to Mysuru but it is celebrated across the state. After Mysuru, if there is any noted place known for Dasara celebrations, then it is Mangaluru. Being a Coastal part of Karnataka, Mangaluru comes with its own way of celebrating Dasara. So, here we are with a few things to know about Mangalore Dasara and its key attractions. Come, let’s check them out.
Mangalore Dasara Or Marnemi
#1
Mangalore Dasara is one of the iconic events celebrated in the city of Mangaluru. It is organized by Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara temple during the days of Navaratri. Among the primary events celebrated in this temple, Maha Shivarathri and Navaratri are popular for their grandiosity and glory.
#2
As a part of Navaratri, one can see the city of Mangalore lighted up with houses, shops, and hotels decorated to its finest. Mangalore Dasara hosts a grand procession wherein most of the roads in the city such as MG Road, K.S Rao Road, and GHS road are seen garnished with lights and electric lanterns.
#3
The age-old Gokarnanatheshwara temple creates a stage for this iconic Mangaluru Dasara. The hundred year celebration of the temple was the center of attraction during the Navaratri festival. Started as Sharada Mahotsava by B.R Karkera, today, it is celebrated in the name of Mangalore Dasara.
#4
The key attractions of Dasara in this part of Karnataka are the tiger dance, lion dance, and bear dance. The Royal tiger dance, also known as Pili Vesha in Tulu or Huli Vesha in Kannada is a folk dance famous in coastal Karnataka.
The significance of Huli vesha is to honor the Goddess Sharada. During Navaratri, it takes a whole new form involving young male troops joining from different parts of Dakshina Kannada. These people in the attire of Tiger backed by drummers roam around the streets and houses.
#5
As ‘Dasara Bombe’ is famous in Mysuru and Bengaluru, here in Mangalore, Dasara idols have their own significance. One can see the various idols of Sharada Devi installed along with Maha Ganapthi and Navadurgas. It is said that the idols will be installed by priests at Swama Kalamantapa by performing Vedic rituals and hymns.
#6
The primary Dasara idols in Mangalore include Sharada Devi, Maha Ganapathi, Adi Shakti, and Navadurgas (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmandaini, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalaratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri).
#7
Another primary attraction of Mangaluru Dasara is Kudroli temples’ Gangavathrana. The temple trust hosts Gangavathrana (Ganges water flowing from the crown of Shiva) during the 9 days of Navaratri.
So, one can see four colorful idols of Shiva of 13 feet with a water jet rushing towards the sky, reaching 100 feet. Beauty is that as the water from all four sides reaches to its pinnacle, they take the shape of Shivalinga. Indeed, it is a magnificent sight to experience.
#8
Mangaluru Dasara is largely famous for its grand procession. It begins from Gokarnantheshwara temple in the evening of Vijayadashmi and will end on the next day, early morning with the immersion of idols at the Pushkarni pond inside the temple complex.
The procession carries the idols of Navadurga, Maha Ganapathi, and Sharad Devi intensified by Bands, Chende, folk dances, Yakshagana characters, Huli Vesha, Dollu Kunitha, and Dolls. It passes through the main roads of Mangalore city covering Kudroli, Mannagudda, Ladyhill, Lalbagh, KS Rao Road, Hampankatta, Car street, and Alake.
#9
Mangaluru Dasara is not just limited to Sri Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara temple. It can also be witnessed in other locations. The way Mangala Devi temples organizes Dasara has its own beauty. The city named after this temple of Mangala Devi, a grand Rathotsava on the Golden chariot along with Ballets and Folk music are grandly hosted.
#10
Sharada Mahotsava or Mangalore Sharadotsav is another attraction in the city, organized by Sri Venkatramana temple. Here, the idol of Goddess Sharada will be carried in the procession where thousands of people gather to witness the celebrations. Upon the culmination of the procession, the idol will be immersed at the temple lake of Mahamaya during the day spring.
So, this was about Mangaluru Dasara and its key attractions. It is an experience of the lifetime to be a witness to festivals of this kind. Mysuru Dasara is there on one hand, however, on the other hand, Mangaluru Dasara is no less to any.
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