Every year Dasara in Mangalore is celebrated with grand fervour as are all of the festivals. Unfortunately, owing to the pandemic this year, all celebrations have to be in moderation.
How Mangalore Dasara 2020 is going to be different for us
– No cultural programmes to be held
– Tiger dance will be permitted only inside the temple premises with strict social distancing
– No processions, fairs & fireworks will be allowed
– No dazzling lighting arrangements in Mangalore streets
– Local TV channels will be Live telecasting the programme
As the Karnataka state government has decided that Mysuru Dasara will be in moderation, the chief patron and Union Minister senior congress leader Janardhana Poojary of the famous Sri Gokarnatha Kshethra has instructed that the temple must adhere to government instructions and regulations to celebrate the Mangaluru Dussehra which will take place from October 17,2020.
Unlike former years, there will be no processions of Navadurga idols and neither will there be any lights that will illuminate the streets. In previous years, one used to find the streets lit up to match the festive mood. This year however one has to forgo this tradition and only the temple premise will be well lit.
About 10 artists have already begun their work to create idols Navadurga, Goddess Sharada and Lord Ganesha which will be installed on October 17, the day of commencement of the festivities. The rituals will be observed for all nine days as it was in previous years.
In order to reduce communal spread of the Covid 19 virus, social distancing must be ensured and wearing masks are compulsory within the halls where the idols are kept for worship. Till previous years, the idols were immersed after the procession around 5pm on Vijayadashami day. There is no concrete rule about the immersion ritual but the ritual can be conducted by taking the idol in a procession around the temple premise and immersing it in the Kalyani of the temple.
The Temple Committee treasurer, Padmaraj said that despite the challenges of the Pandemic, they want to maintain the tradition. Janardhana Poojari encourages every devotee to adhere to the government instructions so that even if the celebrations are not as grand as before, it can still be a successful one.
It is better that these regulations are followed as Mangaloreans can gear up for an even better reason to celebrate next year. Let us celebrate in moderation for a better tomorrow.
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