Udupi: The grand Uchila Dasara 2024 celebrations commenced at Sri Kshetra Uchila Mahalakshmi Temple with a stunning cultural event, Shatveenavallari, on Lalita Panchami. Leading the occasion was renowned veena artist Vidushi Pawan B., accompanied by 108 veena players and other artists from the coastal region. The musical performance took place at the Shankar Open Hall in front of Navadurgeyas and Sharada Mata under the guidance of Achar Manipal.
Dr. Achar G. Shankar honoured Vidushi Pawan B. with a special felicitation for her contributions to the art. Alongside the cultural programs, significant religious rituals such as Chandika Homa, Bhajan, Ambika Kalpokta Puja, and a religious meeting were held, with thousands of devotees participating in the mass kumkumarchana ceremony.
Key Dignitaries in Attendance
Prominent figures at the event included Jaya C. Kotyan Bellampally, Giridhara Suvarna, Raghavendra Upadhyay, Vinaya Karkera, Vasudeva Salyan, Gundu B. Amin, Sharan Mattu, Usha Rani, Manoj Kanchan, and Suguna Karkera. Satish Amin Padukere extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the participants.
Upcoming Events on October 8
The temple will continue the festive celebrations with a series of events, including:
- Chandika Homa at 9:00 am
- Bhajan from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm
- Mahamangalarati for Navadurgei at 12:00 noon
- Maha Puja at 12:30 pm
- Annasantharpane at 5:00 pm
- Mass Kumkumarchan from Sumangale at 5:45 pm
- Cultural Programs by local women at 6:30 pm
- Raghavendra Acharya Jansale at 8:00 pm
- Chakra Chandike Yakshagana Performance by the Yaksha Art team
The Uchila Dasara continues to be a major cultural and religious event, attracting devotees and artists from across the region.