UDUPI: Preparations have been completed for the grand procession of the fifth edition of Udupi-Uchila Dasara 2026, with more than two lakh people expected to participate in the Vijayadashami celebrations on October 21. The procession will feature over 100 vehicles, 62 themed tableaux and a special drone-based flower shower on the idols of Goddess Sharada and the Navadurga deities.

The celebrations are being organised at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila, Padubidri, under the administration of the Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, in collaboration with the Karnataka Department of Kannada and Culture. Organisers have coordinated with police and local authorities to manage the large crowds, traffic movement and safety arrangements.

Drone flower shower to be a major attraction

One of the main highlights of this year’s procession will be a flower shower from drones over the idols of Goddess Sharada and the Navadurga deities. During the first edition of the festival, flowers were showered from a helicopter. The organisers have planned to use drones for the ceremony this year.

The procession is scheduled to begin at 3.30 pm, following the immersion rituals for the idols. The idols will be transferred to vehicles at 3 pm after the concluding worship, which is scheduled for 2.30 pm.

Organisers have stressed the importance of following the schedule to ensure that the procession and subsequent rituals are completed smoothly.

More than 100 vehicles and 62 tableaux

At least 100 vehicles carrying 62 different tableaux will participate in the procession. The displays will showcase fishing traditions, Tulu Nadu’s cultural heritage, folk arts and religious themes associated with the region.

Tableaux will represent Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, the Bennekudru temple, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Mogaveera community spiritual leader Madhava Mangala Poojarya and Sadiya Sahukara, among other themes.

Folk performers, bhajana groups, chende artists and traditional instrumental ensembles will accompany the procession. Music and cultural performances are expected to add to the festive atmosphere along the route.

Five drinking-water vehicles and five sanitation vehicles will also accompany the procession. Drinking-water facilities will be arranged at several points to assist participants.

Procession route from Uchila to Kaup Beach

The procession will start at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila and proceed south along the eastern side of National Highway 66 towards Ermal Mosque before turning back. It will then travel through Uchila, Mulur and Kaup.

Near Kaup-Koppalangadi, the procession will turn towards the beach road and proceed to Kaup Beach. The tableaux carrying Goddess Sharada and the Navadurga idols will continue towards the beach, while the remaining tableaux will proceed along the highway before returning to their respective locations.

At Kaup Beach, the programme will include Ganga Aarti and sea Aarti near the lighthouse, a collective Maha Mangalarati by women, fireworks, a laser-light show and a musical programme. More than 50 illuminated boats are expected to take part in the fireworks display at sea.

The idols of Goddess Sharada and the Navadurga deities are scheduled to be immersed in the traditional ceremony before midnight.

Parking facilities arranged for visitors

Organisers have requested visitors to use designated parking locations to reduce congestion near the beach and procession route.

Vehicles arriving from the Udupi side should be parked at the Polipu School grounds. Visitors coming from Mangaluru and Uchila have been advised to use the parking facilities near Kaup Manthan Resort, the Government Higher Primary School grounds and Sairadha Resort in Mulur.

The arrangements are intended to help visitors reach the event safely while keeping the procession route accessible.

Heavy vehicle restrictions on NH-66

Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K. has ordered traffic restrictions on National Highway 66 for October 21 to facilitate the procession.

Heavy vehicles travelling from Udupi towards Mangaluru must use the Katapady-Shirva-Belman-Padubidri route between 3 pm and 11 pm. Vehicles travelling from Udupi towards Bajpe International Airport should take the Katapady-Shirva-Belman-Mundkur route.

Trucks, lorries and tankers have been advised to remain in designated truck bays in Kundapur and Udupi until 9 pm before resuming their journeys. Heavy vehicle movement on the Mangaluru-Udupi route will be prohibited during the specified period.

Police have inspected the procession route and discussed security arrangements with organisers. At least 250 volunteers have also worked on preparations to help manage the crowds and maintain order.

With over two lakh devotees expected, this year’s Uchila Dasara procession is set to be a major Vijayadashami event in coastal Karnataka, combining religious rituals, local traditions and cultural performances.