Mangaluru: Carstreet in the heart of Mangaluru turned into a vibrant canvas of colours as thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate Okuli Habba, marking the grand finale of the annual Car Festival of Sri Venkatramana Temple, popularly known as Kodial Theru, on Monday, January 26. The centuries-old tradition was observed with immense joy, devotion and cultural fervour, drawing members of the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community from across the city and neighbouring regions.
From early morning, Carstreet echoed with devotional chants, traditional music and bursts of laughter as devotees prepared themselves for one of the most eagerly awaited events of the temple calendar. The celebratory mood was unmistakable, with people of all ages enthusiastically participating in the colourful rituals associated with Okuli.
Devotees gather in large numbers from early morning
A large number of devotees began assembling on Carstreet from the early hours of Monday morning to take part in the Okuli celebrations. Many families arrived together, dressed in traditional attire, while others carried containers filled with coloured water, ready to immerse themselves in the festivities.
Despite the dense crowd, the atmosphere remained orderly, with volunteers and temple authorities ensuring smooth movement and safety. The entire stretch of Carstreet was transformed into a festive zone, with shops, residences and temple premises resonating with the spirit of celebration.
A riot of colours and joyous participation
The highlight of Okuli Habba was the joyous spraying of coloured water among devotees, symbolising happiness, unity and spiritual celebration. Faces young and old were dotted with vibrant hues, reflecting the sheer delight of the occasion.
Devotees danced to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments as they playfully sprayed colour water at one another. The sight of elders reliving their childhood memories alongside youngsters experiencing the festival’s magic for the first time added to the emotional depth of the celebrations.
Women, men and children alike participated with equal enthusiasm, making Okuli a truly inclusive festival that transcended age barriers. For many, the event was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of cultural identity and community bonding.
Divine procession of Lord Venkatramana and Goddess Padmavathi
A key ritual of Okuli Habba is the ceremonial procession of Lord Venkatramana and Goddess Padmavathi, which symbolically represents the first journey of their wedded life. As the deities were taken out in procession, devotees showered them with coloured water as an expression of devotion and happiness.
The procession moved slowly through Carstreet amid chants, music and devotional singing. Temple priests performed the prescribed rituals, while devotees offered prayers seeking prosperity, harmony and well-being for their families.
The spiritual aura of the procession, combined with the exuberance of Okuli, created a unique blend of devotion and festivity that is characteristic of Kodial Theru.
Significance of Kodial Theru for the GSB community
The annual car festival of Sri Venkatramana Temple holds special significance for the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community. Kodial Theru commemorates the divine union of Lord Venkatramana and Goddess Padmavathi, a sacred event deeply rooted in tradition and religious belief.
Okuli Habba, celebrated on the concluding day of the festival, symbolises joy, fulfilment and divine blessings. It is considered an auspicious occasion for devotees to come together, set aside differences and celebrate as one community.
Elders in the community noted that the festival has been celebrated for generations, with each year reinforcing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and passing on traditions to the younger generation.
Temple authorities ensure smooth conduct
Temple authorities, along with volunteers, made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Adequate water supply, crowd management measures and cleanliness drives were put in place to accommodate the large gathering.
Police personnel were also deployed in and around Carstreet to regulate traffic and maintain law and order during the celebrations. Their presence ensured that devotees could participate in the festivities without any inconvenience.
Conclusion
The colourful and spirited celebration of Okuli Habba marked a memorable conclusion to the Kodial Theru of Sri Venkatramana Temple this year. As Carstreet slowly returned to normalcy by evening, the smiles on devotees’ faces and the lingering hues of colour stood testimony to a festival that beautifully blended devotion, tradition and collective joy. The celebration once again highlighted Mangaluru’s rich cultural fabric and the enduring spirit of its community.