Padubidri, Sep. 13: The invitation card for the fifth annual Udupi-Uchila Dasara 2026, a significant cultural and religious event, was officially released on Sunday. The ceremony took place at the Uchila Sree Mahalakshmi Temple, which operates under the administration of the Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha. G. Shankar, the Honorary Advisor of the Sangha, performed the unveiling.
Addressing the gathering after the release, G. Shankar announced that Muzrai, Ports, and Fisheries Minister K.S. Basantappa would inaugurate the Dasara program. Scheduled from October 11 to 21, 2026, the festivities are also set to welcome other state ministers, including Sugar and Textiles Minister Rudrappa M. Lamani, District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad, and Health Minister U.T. Khader, who will participate in the eleven-day celebration.
A notable event preceding the Dasara will be the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring the ninth guru, Madhava Mangaladh Pujar. This statue, built within the temple premises, will be dedicated by Minister Shivraj Tangadagi on September 25.
During the invitation card release, Vedamurthy Raghavendra Upadhyaya, the temple's chief priest, offered special prayers. Jay C. Kotian Bellampalli, President of the Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, also addressed the attendees. Key dignitaries present included Vinay Karkera Malpe, President of the Dasara Utsava Samithi; Sharan Kumar Mattu, Secretary of the Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha; Giridhara Suvarna Mooloor, President of the Temple Administration Board; Vedaprakash Sriyan; Ratnakar Salian Malpe; Sujith Salian Mulki; Gundu B. Ameen Kidiyoor; Vasudeva Salian Katapadi; Sudhakar Kundar; Dinesh Ermalu; Manoj Kanchan Ermal; Dinesh Mooloor; Mohan Bangera Kaup; Sarvothama Kundar; Shivappa Kanchan Malpe; Satish Kundar Malpe; Narayana C. Karkera; Suguna S. Karkera; and Satish Ameen Padukere, the temple manager. Their presence underscored the community's collective effort in organizing the grand Dasara festivities.
Image for illustration purposes only
đź“° Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi