Mangaluru, October 14: The 'Mangaluru Dasara' celebrations were inaugurated by Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday at Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara temple. The Chief Minister lit the lamp to mark the inauguration of the nine-day festivities. After the inauguration, Kumaraswamy sought the blessings of Nava Durgas and also performed the 'Aarti' of Goddess Sharada, a report by PTI stated. The nine-day festivity has begun across the state where a huge number of devotees and tourists thronged the Kudroli temple.

Mangalore Dasara is a festival in the Indian city of Mangalore organized by Kudroli Shri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple. It is also referred as Navarathri Festival, Vijayadashami.  The tiger dance, lion dance and bear dance are the main attractions during the festival. The Mangalore city is decorated with lights for the 10 days of the occasion. Mysore Dussehra 2018 Date & Story: Know the History, Significance & Celebrations of Mysuru Dasara. 

During the nine-day festivities, the entire Mangaluru city is all geared up to host this year’s festivities. Performances depicting the rich culture and tradition of the state are displayed as part of the festivities. The hundred-year anniversary (1912 - 2012) celebration was the centre of attraction during the festival. Navrathri and Shivarathri are the two big festivals celebrated at Gokarnanatheshwara Temple. It must be noted that Sharadha Mahotsava, which is now known as Mangalore Dasara, was started by B.R.Karkera. Idols of Goddess Durga for Navaratri Are Made With Soil From Sonagachi Brothels, Here's Why!

The 'Mangaluru Dasara' is a nine-day festival where the idol of Goddess Sharada is installed at Acharya Mutt of Sri Venkataramana Temple, Car Street. The idol is earlier brought to the Mutt premises in a grand procession. The festivities will conclude with a colourful and grand procession carrying the idol of Goddess Sharada would be taken out on the main streets of the city where thousands of people gather on either side of the streets to witness the procession. The idol will be immersed at the Mahamaya Temple lake.

(With inputs from agencies)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2018 11:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).