Mangaluru's Dasara woos the common man

Although Mysuru's Dasara grabs all the attention in Karnataka, the coastal city of Mangaluru has its own version of Dasara festivities, thanks to the Kudroli Gokarnanatha temple.

The temple takes the lead in organising the Dasara procession, the installation of Navadurga idols, and giving the required colour and gaiety to the festivities.

According to the organisers, it is estimated that this year, the Mangaluru Dasara will see more than five lakh people during the procession, and 12 lakh people are expected to visit the temple during the Navratri festivities, equivalent to the crowds drawn by the Mysore Dasara.

However, the Mangaluru Dasara does not have government or royal patronage like its famous cousin in Mysuru, said temple officials.

The entire expenses of Dasara are borne by the devotees and philanthropists of Mangaluru, said Rajya Sabha member B Janardhana Poojary, who was instrumental in the temple's growth.