Mangaluru Dasara to begin Sept 22 at Kudroli Temple

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 26, 2025: The Mangaluru Dasara celebrations will be held from September 22 to October 2, 2025, at Kudroli, announced festival committee organizer R. Padmaraj at a press conference on Tuesday.

He said that under the guidance of veteran leader and former Union Minister B. Janardhana Poojary, the temple administration and development committees have been organizing the Kudroli Dasara since 1991 as a platform for social change. Along with the installation of idols of Lord Ganapathi, Adishakti, Goddess Sharada, and Navadurga, all traditional religious rituals including Ganahoma, Chandika Yaga, and other homas will be performed. Preparations are already underway.

This year, three teams will be given the opportunity to perform every day. To ensure quality, applications were screened, videos of performances reviewed, and preference given to new teams rather than those who performed in previous years. In total, 31 teams with around 700–800 artistes will take part.

Troupes from across Karnataka as well as other states will perform Bharatanatyam, Veena recitals, folk arts, Harikatha, Talamaddale, Yakshagana, Yakshagana ballet, dance dramas, magic shows, Alva’s cultural presentations, SDM cultural programs and more—offering audiences a blend of devotion and entertainment.

On this occasion, achievers and selfless contributors who have served society without seeking the spotlight will be specially honored. Institutions known for their service will also be felicitated.

Mangaluru Dasara has always encouraged talent. Competitions are being organized for artistes, children, and literature enthusiasts. A devotional dance competition on Rudraveena will be held, with a grand prize of ₹1 lakh for the winners.

For literary enthusiasts, a multilingual poets’ meet, along with Tulu and Kannada poetry contests, will be among the highlights. A special “Children’s Dasara” with a full day of competitions and celebrations is being planned exclusively for kids.

For the first time, a Kinnipili (junior tiger dance) contest will be held for children, recognizing that tiger dance is a signature of Dasara. It will have two categories—for children under 4 years and between 4–8 years—with attractive cash prizes. Other contests include devotional singing, drawing, and “Muddu Sharade” competitions, ensuring platforms for young, upcoming, and senior talents alike.

Festival committee members H.S. Jayaraj, Devendra Poojary, Madhava Suvarna, Dr. B.G. Suvarna, and Krutin B. Ameen were present at the press conference.