Udupi: Dr G Shankar, the architect of Uchila Dasara, inaugurated the spectacular decorative lighting arrangements at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila on Saturday, October 10, marking the beginning of the festive atmosphere ahead of the fifth edition of Udupi Uchila Dasara 2026.
The 11-day festival is scheduled to be held from October 11 to 21, with preparations gathering momentum across Uchila and neighbouring coastal areas. The illumination arrangements, extending from the temple premises through Padubidri to the Kaup seashore, have added colour and grandeur to the region ahead of the celebrations.
The lighting inauguration was attended by elected representatives, office-bearers of the Mogaveera community, festival committee members and other prominent personalities.
Grand illumination adds festive splendour
The decorative lighting arrangements have become a major attraction ahead of Udupi Uchila Dasara 2026. The illuminated stretch from Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila through Padubidri to the Kaup seashore has drawn public attention, creating a festive atmosphere along the coastal belt.
The elaborate arrangements are intended to enhance the visual appeal of the celebrations and welcome devotees and visitors arriving for the festival. Decorative illumination is an important part of the event, complementing the religious programmes and cultural activities planned during the 11-day celebration.
The inauguration by Dr G Shankar marked a significant milestone in the preparations. As the architect of Uchila Dasara, he has been closely associated with the festival, which has grown into a prominent religious and cultural event in the coastal region.
With the festival scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 11, the lighting arrangements provide an early glimpse of the scale of this year’s celebrations.
Fifth edition of Udupi Uchila Dasara from October 11
The fifth edition of Udupi Uchila Dasara will be celebrated from October 11 to 21, bringing devotees together for religious observances and community activities at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila.
The festival is organised under the administration of the Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, with support and cooperation from the Karnataka government, the Department of Kannada and Culture, devotees and members of the Mogaveera community.
Uchila Dasara has developed into an important annual event for the region, combining religious devotion with community participation. The celebrations also provide an opportunity for members of the Mogaveera community and other devotees to come together and participate in the festival’s activities.
The involvement of government departments, community organisations and devotees plays an important role in organising the event and facilitating the arrangements required for the celebrations.
The festival’s growing prominence has also helped draw attention to Uchila as a religious destination along the Karnataka coast.
Elected representatives and community leaders attend
Several elected representatives and prominent members of the Mogaveera community attended the inauguration of the decorative lighting arrangements.
Those present included Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna. South Canara Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha president Jaya C Kotian Bellampalli and Udupi-Uchila Dasara Committee president Vinay Karkera also participated in the occasion.
Other attendees included Mohan Bengre, Giridhar Suvarna, Manoj Kanchan, Sharan Kumar Mattu, Satish Kundar Malpe, Sripathi Bhat Uchila, Ratnakar Salian Malpe, Vishwas Amin, Satish Amin Padukere, Dinesh Ermal, Vasudeva Salian and Gundu B Amin.
Their participation reflected the involvement of community representatives and local leaders in the preparations for the annual festival.
The inauguration brought together members of the organising committees, community leaders and public representatives as the temple and surrounding areas prepared to welcome devotees for the upcoming celebrations.
Uchila Temple at the centre of Dasara celebrations
Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila serves as the focal point of the annual Uchila Dasara festivities. The temple and its surrounding areas are expected to witness increased activity as devotees arrive during the festival period.
The decorative lighting extending towards Padubidri and Kaup adds a broader festive dimension to the celebrations, connecting important stretches of the coastal region through the illumination arrangements.
The event also highlights the role of community-led religious festivals in preserving local traditions and strengthening cultural ties. The participation of the Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, devotees and local organisations remains central to the conduct of the festival.
With the inauguration completed, preparations are in place for the fifth edition of Udupi Uchila Dasara, which will continue until October 21.
The grand lighting arrangements have set the tone for the celebrations, as Uchila prepares to welcome devotees and visitors for 11 days of religious and cultural festivities.