Mangaluru/Udupi: The coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are witnessing a surge in festive activity as preparations for the Ganesha festival reach their final stage. With the festival coinciding with the weekend and offering a three-day holiday, enthusiasm among residents has increased considerably, with families and public Ganeshotsava committees making elaborate arrangements for the celebrations.
The festivities will begin on Sunday with the observance of the Gauri festival, followed by the installation of Ganesha idols on Monday. The idol installation will mark the formal beginning of Ganeshotsava celebrations across the coastal region. Temples, households, community organisations and public Ganeshotsava committees have been making preparations for several days to ensure a grand celebration.
At the same time, the police and environment departments have issued guidelines aimed at ensuring that the festival is celebrated peacefully and in an environmentally responsible manner.
Final touches to idols and pandals
Idol makers in Mangaluru, Udupi and surrounding areas are working overtime to complete the final touches on Ganesha idols ahead of the festival. Several artisans have been busy painting and decorating idols ordered by households and public committees, while organisers are preparing for their transportation to different venues.
The construction of pandals and welcome arches is also nearing completion. Decorative lighting has been installed at several locations, adding to the festive atmosphere in residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas.
In several places, Ganesha idols will be taken to designated festival venues in processions on Sunday evening or night. Organisers are making arrangements for music, traditional performances and other programmes to accompany the processions.
Public Ganeshotsava committees have also completed arrangements for the installation ceremonies. While idol immersion processions traditionally attract large crowds, several committees are planning to give equal importance to the installation ceremony this year, with elaborate rituals and public programmes planned on Monday.
Gauri festival celebrations in homes
The Gauri festival on Sunday will see households across the coastal districts conducting special poojas. Women and families are expected to participate in traditional rituals associated with the festival, with preparations for the occasion already under way.
Markets have witnessed increased activity as families purchase flowers, fruits, vegetables, pooja materials and other items required for the celebrations. Special attention is being given to traditional decorations and offerings used during the Gauri and Ganesha festivals.
Ganesha temples in the region have also finalised their schedules for Monday. Gana homa and other special rituals are expected to be conducted as part of the Ganesha festival celebrations, attracting devotees from nearby areas.
Markets witness festive rush
The approaching festival has resulted in a significant increase in activity at markets in Mangaluru, Udupi and surrounding towns. Vendors selling flowers, sugarcane, fruits, pooja materials, banana stems and traditional leaves are witnessing strong demand.
Flower sellers from neighbouring districts have arrived in the twin cities to cater to the increased demand. Temporary stalls have come up at several locations, particularly in areas that experience heavy pedestrian and vehicle movement during festivals.
The demand for ‘moode’ leaves and other traditional pooja materials has also increased as households prepare for the festival. Vendors are expecting sales to remain strong through Sunday and Monday as families make last-minute purchases.
The three-day holiday has added to the festive rush. With many people staying in their hometowns or returning home for the celebrations, markets are witnessing increased footfall. Families are also purchasing vegetables, groceries and other ingredients needed to prepare traditional festive meals.
Eco-friendly celebrations stressed
While preparations are focused on ensuring colourful and traditional celebrations, authorities have also stressed the importance of following safety and environmental guidelines.
The police department has issued directions to organisers and the public to ensure that celebrations do not cause inconvenience to residents or affect traffic movement. Committees are expected to follow the prescribed rules while conducting processions and public programmes.
The environment department has also emphasised the need for eco-friendly celebrations. Organisers and households are being encouraged to follow appropriate practices while handling idols and festival materials, particularly during immersion.
The guidelines are aimed at ensuring that the festive celebrations do not adversely affect water bodies or the surrounding environment. Public committees are therefore expected to coordinate with the authorities and adhere to the prescribed arrangements for idol immersion and related activities.
Coastal districts gear up for grand celebrations
With preparations now almost complete, Mangaluru, Udupi and neighbouring areas are ready to welcome Lord Ganesha amid a festive atmosphere. From homes and temples to large public pandals, arrangements are being made to mark the occasion with devotion and traditional fervour.
The combination of the Gauri festival, Ganesha idol installation and the extended weekend holiday is expected to bring large crowds to markets, temples and celebration venues. Authorities and organisers are simultaneously working to ensure that the festivities remain orderly, safe and environmentally responsible.
As the final decorations go up and artisans complete the last idols, the coastal districts are set for another vibrant Ganeshotsava, bringing together religious devotion, community participation and traditional celebrations.