Udupi: The 60th Sri Ganeshotsava, marking the Diamond Jubilee of the Udupi Public Sri Ganeshotsava Committee (Kadiyali), will be held from September 14 to 20 at the Katyayani Mantapa of the Kadiyali Sri Mahishamardini Temple.
Announcing the programme at a press conference on Saturday, MLA and Honorary President of the Udupi Public Sri Ganeshotsava Committee Yashpal A Suvarna said elaborate arrangements have been made for the week-long celebrations.
The procession carrying the Ganapathi idol will begin from Jodukatte at 4.30 pm on September 13. Dr Shashikiran Umakanth, Medical Superintendent of Dr TMA Pai Hospital, will flag off the procession.
Raja Darbar stage for Diamond Jubilee
A grand ‘Raja Darbar’ stage is being constructed as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The idol of Lord Ganesha will be installed at the venue and will be presented in a majestic seated form for seven days, allowing devotees to seek the deity’s blessings.
Suvarna said special emphasis has been placed on involving a large number of young people in the festival activities, with the aim of encouraging their participation and ensuring continuity of the tradition in the future.
The organisers have also stressed devotion and reverence during the celebrations. There will be no film songs as part of the festival programme.
Kadiyali decorated for celebrations
Welcome arches have been erected at the four main entry points to Kadiyali, while the surrounding area has been decorated with flex boards, banners, saffron flags, fabric decorations and electric lights.
The arrangements are aimed at creating a festive atmosphere around the temple and the main celebration venue.
Parking facilities have been arranged for devotees at Kadiyali Higher Primary School, U Kamalabai High School and the Kunjibettu BJP district office.
Kunitha Bhajana competition on September 17
Several cultural and community programmes have been planned during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
A Kunitha Bhajana competition featuring invited artists will be held on September 17, followed by a prize distribution ceremony.
On September 19, the presidents and general secretaries of more than 100 Ganeshotsava committees in Udupi city will be felicitated.
The valedictory ceremony will be held on September 20, marking the conclusion of the week-long celebrations.
Traditional idol crafted for festival
Engineer Sampath Rao of Indiranagar has crafted the Ganapathi idol for the celebrations.
The idol has been adorned with several ornaments, including a golden crown, pasha (noose) and ankusha (goad).
The organisers expect devotees from Udupi and surrounding areas to participate in the celebrations and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha during the Diamond Jubilee festivities.
Social initiatives planned
Yashpal Suvarna said the Kadiyali Sarvajanika Sri Ganeshotsava Samiti is among the oldest Ganapathi committees in Udupi district.
He recalled that the committee’s 50th-year Golden Jubilee had been celebrated with a focus on social causes and had set an example for other organisations in the State.
Several social initiatives have also been planned as part of the 60th-year Diamond Jubilee celebrations, he said.
The organisers said the celebrations would combine devotion, cultural programmes, youth participation and social initiatives while maintaining the traditional character of the festival.
Committee President P Vasantha Bhat, General Secretary Raghavendra Kini, Geetha Shet, Platinum Jubilee Committee General Secretary Girish Anchan and Satish Kulal were present at the press conference.