Mangaluru: After nearly nine years, the iconic Kalash, which was removed during the construction of the Pumpwell flyover in 2016, has been reinstalled at the Pumpwell Mahaveer Circle. The relocation was completed in the early hours of Tuesday after an elaborate overnight operation that began at 8.30 pm and concluded at 4.30 am.

The urn, now placed at the roundabout on the road leading from Pumpwell to Padil, once again serves as a landmark in Mangalore. The restoration was carried out with the cooperation of the police department, MESCOM staff, local youth, and several community organisations.

Challenging relocation process

The 30-foot-tall, 22-ton Kalash could not be transported directly through the flyover route due to space constraints. The relocation team devised an alternative route via Nanthur and Jappinamogaru to avoid overhead signboards and other obstacles.

  • 8.30 pm: Removal of urn from temporary site near Pumpwell outpost begins

  • 11.00 pm: Kalash loaded onto trailer using cranes

  • 12.00 midnight: Trailer sets out via Nanthur and Jappinamogaru route

  • 4.00 am: Kalash reaches designated roundabout

  • 4.30 am: Installation completed

    • A JCB, three cranes, and a trailer were deployed to move the structure safely.

    Community efforts and leadership

    The operation saw active participation from several leaders and organisations. Mangalore Jain Society President Pushparaj Jain, Secretary Sachin Kumar, Treasurer Vijesh Ballal, Hindu leader Sharan Pumpwell, and former corporator Sandeep Garodi supervised the process. More than 40 individuals worked through the night to ensure safe relocation.

    Kalash history and restoration efforts

    The Kalash was originally built in 2006 on a 43-cent plot at Mahaveer Circle, symbolising the rich cultural heritage of the region. It was removed in March 2016 due to the Pumpwell flyover construction and was kept in a temporary location near the Pumpwell outpost, where it remained without proper maintenance for nine years.

    The Jain Society and local community had been urging the Mangalore City Corporation to restore the structure. With the corporation’s approval, the Kalash was finally reinstalled following proper guidelines.

    Cultural significance

    Community leaders expressed joy at the successful restoration, calling it a matter of pride for Mangalore. The Kalash, they said, is more than a structure – it represents tradition, identity, and the spirit of unity that made the relocation possible.