Uchila Dasara 2023 concludes on a grand note

Team Udayavani, Oct 25, 2023, 10:20 AM IST

The 10-day Uchila Dasara festivities concluded with the ceremonial procession on Tuesday evening and the immersion of Durga idols.

Dr. G Shankar, along with esteemed dignitaries, led the procession at Sri Kshetra Uchila Sri Mahalakshmi Temple.

Chief Priest Raghavendra Upadhyay performed the Mahamangalarati and Visarjana Puja for Navadurgas and Devi Sharada. The procession commenced from Uchila, traversing through Yermal, Uchila, Muloor, Koppalangadi on the National Highway, and finally ended at Kapu Beach, where the idols were immersed into the sea.

The procession showcased a vivid tapestry of tableaus highlighting social awareness and complemented by diverse dance bhajan troupes, Taiyyam performers, and captivating depictions of fish, folklore, butterflies, and tigers. The Chande Balaga, Nada Swara, and instrumental Nashik bands resonated through the streets, accompanied by majestic elephants bearing Ambari, Navadurga, and Sharada idols.

A striking highlight was the mechanical elephant (‘Kariyane’), masterfully crafted under the guidance of Hariprasad Shetty. Carrying the Goddess Mahalakshmi, this fiberglass and metal marvel weighed approximately 1 ton with a towering height of 15 feet.

Thousands participated in the ten-kilometer long procession, displaying remarkable discipline, ensuring minimal disruption to the public.

MLAs Gurme Suresh Shetty, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Yashpal Suvarna, MRG Group Managing Director Prakash Shetty Banjara, Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Businessman Prasadraj Kanchan, and various other esteemed personalities graced the occasion.

“More than 6-7 lakh people enthusiastically participated in the Uchila Dussehra festival, transforming it into an unforgettable spectacle. The seamless collaboration between the police department and dedicated volunteers played a pivotal role in orchestrating the procession flawlessly,” said Dr. G Shankar, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors for the resounding success of Uchila Dasara.