Mangaluru: The vibrant spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi continued to resonate in Mangaluru as the second-day religious meet of the public Ganeshotsava celebrations, organised by Shri Siddhivinayaka Pratishtana Public Ganeshotsava Committee under the aegis of Bunts’ Hostel Bunts’ Yane Nadar Mata Sangha, was held at Omkar Nagar, Bunts’ Hostel, on August 27.
The event was inaugurated by Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Darshan H V with the traditional lighting of the lamp. Addressing the gathering, he said, “This is my first visit here. I am happy to see Ganeshotsava being celebrated so grandly. May this Ganesh Chaturthi bring prosperity to the entire world. The programme conducted by Bunts’ Yane Nadar Mata Sangha has become a model for society. May Lord Ganesha’s blessings always remain on us.”
Celebrating tradition and unity
Retired IAS officer T Shyam Bhat reflected on the historical and cultural significance of the festival. “The world is guided by the supreme power. The Ganeshotsava started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak is truly a festival of the entire society. It is heartening that people of all communities participate. The Bunts community has played an important role in the district’s development across several fields. May the festival continue with even greater enthusiasm in the years to come,” he said.
Vakwadi Praveen Kumar Shetty, MD of Fortune Group of Hotels, Dubai, highlighted the cultural outreach of the celebrations. “This religious programme, being held for the past 19 years, is outstanding. Coconut is considered most dear to Lord Ganesha, and the Narikela Yaga holds special importance. This event introduces our religion and traditions to the younger generation. It is also heartening to note that Ganeshotsava is being celebrated in Dubai this year with permission from the local administration. It is a proud moment for Indian culture,” he stated.
Felicitation of achievers
The evening also witnessed the felicitation of prominent personalities, including former MLA Shakuntala Shetty, Haji U K Monu of Kanachur Medical College, journalist and Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike, and writer Cherkady Satchidananda Shetty for their contributions in various fields.
Community leaders and dignitaries present
The programme drew a significant gathering of community leaders and dignitaries, including CA Srinivas Kamath, Bank of Baroda general manager Rajesh Khanna, Surathkal Bunts’ Sangha president Jagannath Shetty Bala, Gurupura Bunts’ Mata Sangha president Santosh Shetty Moodushedde, Kankanady zone Bunts’ Sangha president Kamalaksha Shetty, and Bijai Bunts’ Sangha president Krishnamurthy Rai.
The event was presided over by Ajith Kumar Rai Maladi, president of Bunts’ Mata Sangha and managing trustee of Siddhivinayaka Pratishtana. Dr Manjula Shetty and Prakash Melant compered the programme, while Krishnaprasad Rai Bellippadi proposed the vote of thanks.
Continuing the festive spirit
With music, rituals, and communal harmony, the Ganeshotsava celebrations at Bunts’ Hostel have become a cultural landmark in Mangaluru, symbolising unity, tradition, and devotion. The event will continue over the coming days with various religious and cultural activities.