The coastal belt of Karnataka witnessed a spectacular conclusion to the Navaratri festivities on Thursday as thousands of devotees thronged temples in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts to celebrate Vijayadashami.
Processions mark the finale
Vijayadashami processions were taken out by several temple committees, with the Mangaladevi and Kudroli Gokarnanatha temples in Mangaluru drawing massive crowds. The Dasara procession of Kudroli temple, which commenced around 4 p.m. on Thursday, is scheduled to culminate at 6 a.m. on Friday.
In Udupi district, the grand procession of Uchchila Mahalakshmi temple near Kaup saw thousands of devotees participating with fervour. Tableaux, traditional drummers, folk dancers, and “huli vesha” (tiger dance) troupes added colour and vibrancy to the celebrations.
Devotees throng coastal temples
Temples including Kateel Durgaparameshwari, Bappanadu Durgaparameshwari, Polali Rajarajeshwari, Sasihitlu Bhagavathi, Kodyadkka Annapoorneshwari, Mangaladevi, and Urwa Mariyamma in Mangaluru, along with Kolluru Mookambika, Neelavara, Kadiyali Mahishamardini, Kaup Mariyamma, Mandarthi, Kamalashile, Ambalpady, Kunjarugiri, Belman, and others in Udupi district witnessed a massive influx of devotees throughout the festival days.
Community spirit and festive economy
Mass feeding was organised at several temples, while vegetable and flower markets saw brisk business due to the surge in demand for temple offerings and decorations. The festive atmosphere, rich cultural displays, and large-scale participation highlighted the region’s deep-rooted traditions and collective spirit.