Ganeshotsava preparations peak in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 13, 2026: Preparations for Ganeshotsava are in full swing across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, with the festival coinciding with the weekend and a three-day holiday adding to the festive spirit.

Temples and public Ganeshotsava committees have completed most arrangements, with idol makers giving finishing touches and pandals, welcome arches and decorative lighting nearing completion. Several public committees are also planning grand idol installation ceremonies this year.

Markets across the twin districts are witnessing a rush, with strong demand for flowers, sugarcane, fruits, pooja materials, banana stems and moode leaves. Vendors from neighbouring districts have arrived in large numbers, while sales of vegetables and groceries have also increased ahead of festive meals.

Security tightened
Police in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have stepped up security arrangements for the celebrations, deploying personnel, undertaking preventive measures and maintaining surveillance along sensitive routes.

In Dakshina Kannada, 230 public Ganeshotsava installations are scheduled under the district police jurisdiction. The Beltangady sub-division has the highest number with 103 installations, followed by Puttur with 79 and Bantwal with 48.

In Udupi district, 492 Ganesha idols are scheduled for installation and immersion. Of the locations identified for celebrations, 415 have been classified as normal, 74 as sensitive and three as highly sensitive.

The Udupi police have conducted 22 peace committee meetings, initiated preventive action against 611 individuals and bound over 487 persons under various provisions to ensure peaceful celebrations.

Police and environment authorities have also issued guidelines for safe and eco-friendly Ganeshotsava celebrations across the region.