Udupi: The fifth edition of Udupi Uchila Dasara was inaugurated with great fanfare on Sunday, October 11, at Sri Kshetra Uchila, marking the beginning of 11 days of religious, cultural and social programmes. Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K. inaugurated the festival, organised by Uchila Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, which will continue until October 21.
The celebrations are being held at the Smt Shalini Dr G Shankar Auditorium with the cooperation of the Karnataka Department of Kannada and Culture and devotees. Having gained public recognition over the past four years, Uchila Dasara has emerged as a significant religious and cultural event in the coastal region.
The festival combines traditional Navaratri rituals with cultural performances and community-oriented programmes, attracting devotees and visitors from Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and other parts of the state.
Deputy Commissioner highlights inner strength and confidence
Inaugurating the festival, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K. said Navaratri was an occasion to awaken the courage, strength and knowledge within individuals and recognise their potential.
She observed that worshipping the Goddess and seeking her blessings could inspire positivity and self-confidence. She urged people to recognise their inner strength and use it constructively, while striving to become worthy of the Goddess’s grace.
Her message highlighted the spiritual significance of Navaratri, which celebrates the divine feminine and encourages devotees to reflect on courage, knowledge and positive action.
The inauguration marked the beginning of a series of programmes planned throughout the festival, with religious observances forming the core of the celebrations.
Uchila Dasara gains prominence in coastal Karnataka
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said Uchila Sri Mahalakshmi Temple received a new look in 2021 and that the Dasara festival, organised under the leadership of Nadoja Dr G Shankar, had since gained considerable recognition.
He urged devotees to worship the Goddess during the auspicious days of Navaratri and seek her blessings for longevity, good health, happiness, peace and prosperity.
The festival has grown in scale and public visibility with each edition, bringing together religious traditions and cultural activities. Its fifth edition reflects the organisers’ efforts to establish Uchila as an important destination for Dasara celebrations in the coastal belt.
The temple and its surroundings have become a focal point for the festivities, with a range of programmes planned to engage devotees, families and visitors over the 11-day period.
Vinay Kumar Sorake recalls vision behind the festival
Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said Dasara was celebrated with great enthusiasm in several parts of Karnataka, including Mysuru, Mangaluru and Shivamogga.
He noted that the grand celebrations at Uchila Sri Mahalakshmi Temple under the leadership of Nadoja Dr G Shankar were intended to address the lack of large-scale Dasara festivities in Udupi district.
Sorake said Uchila Dasara had continued to grow in prominence, with each edition bringing greater enthusiasm and attracting attention from people across the coastal region.
The festival’s combination of religious ceremonies and diverse cultural programmes has helped broaden its appeal beyond traditional temple observances.
Chief Minister’s visit to Uchila rescheduled
Sorake also stated that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was scheduled to inaugurate the ‘Mahila Dasara’ programme on October 12 but would be unable to attend because of an urgent visit to Delhi.
According to Sorake, the Chief Minister had conveyed that he would visit Uchila by October 21.
The proposed visit is expected to take place before the conclusion of the festival, which features religious ceremonies and cultural events throughout its 11-day schedule.
Dr G Shankar outlines festival programmes
Nadoja Dr G Shankar, regarded as the architect of Uchila Dasara, delivered the introductory address at the inaugural ceremony. He outlined the programmes planned for the festival and highlighted the arrangements made for the celebrations.
The festival features a variety of activities alongside traditional religious observances, reflecting the organisers’ aim of bringing spiritual, cultural and social elements together.
District Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar inaugurated the Dasara exhibition, adding another attraction to the celebrations.
The inaugural event was attended by Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha president Jaya C Kotian, Dasara Committee president Vinay Kumar Karkera, secretary Sharan Kumar Mattu, and office-bearers Giridhar S Suvarna and Satish Amin Padukere, among others.
Religious and cultural programmes continue until October 21
The fifth edition of Uchila Dasara will continue until October 21, with programmes scheduled at the Smt Shalini Dr G Shankar Auditorium in Sri Kshetra Uchila.
The festival has become an important platform for celebrating the religious traditions and cultural identity of coastal Karnataka. Its growing popularity also reflects the role of community participation and institutional support in sustaining large-scale cultural events.
With religious observances, cultural programmes and the Dasara exhibition drawing attention to the temple, the celebrations are expected to keep Uchila at the centre of festive activity in Udupi district during Navaratri.
The organisers hope that the latest edition will build on the festival’s growing reputation and encourage more devotees and visitors to participate in the celebrations.