CM D.K. Shivakumar invited to inaugurate historic ‘Mangaluru Dasara’

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru/Mangaluru, Sep 3, 2026: The Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra administration committee has invited Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to inaugurate the historic ‘Mangaluru Dasara Mahotsava’, which will be held from October 11 to 21 at the Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple in Mangaluru.

The festival, held at the sacred abode of Brahmashri Narayana Guru, is celebrated as a confluence of equality, culture and tradition, and is one of the most prominent cultural festivals of coastal Karnataka.

Kshetra administration committee president Jairaj H. Somasundaram, treasurer Padmaraj R. Poojary, trustees Santosh J. Poojary and Kishore Dandekeri, development committee members Vedakumar, Leelaksha B. Karkera and Suryakanth J. Suvarna, National Billava Mahamandala vice-president Prabhakar Bangera, treasurer Yogish Kumar Mulki, and Karwar-based advocate G.T. Naik were present. The dignitaries also honoured the Deputy Chief Minister by presenting him with the temple’s prasada.

Listening with interest to the significance of the festival, which celebrates the cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka and the grandeur of the Navadurgas, D.K. Shivakumar said, “Visiting Kudroli Kshetra itself is a special experience. It is a matter of pride for me to participate in this festival, which represents the noble ideals of Narayana Guru and the rich cultural heritage of the people of coastal Karnataka.”

On the occasion, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was also honoured with the Kambala Award-2026, instituted by Namma Kudla. The honour was presented in the presence of dignitaries, including Namma Kudla channel director Leelaksha B. Karkera.