Mangaluru: Historic Kalasha reinstalled at Pumpwell after 9 years

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 28, 2025: After a gap of nine years, the historic Kalasha, once regarded as the crown of Mangaluru, has been reinstalled at Pumpwell Mahaveer Circle.

The structure, which stood as a landmark, was removed in March 2016 during the construction of the Pumpwell flyover. At the time, many residents had expressed disappointment over its removal. Now, after persistent efforts from the Jain community and local leaders, the 30-foot-tall, 22-tonne Kalasha has found its new place at the circle on the Pumpwell–Padil road.

The relocation process began at 8:30 pm on Monday and was completed by 4:30 am on Tuesday, with the support of the police department, Mescom staff, and local youths. The operation involved three cranes, a JCB, and a trailer, as the Kalasha had to be carefully transported through Nanthoor and Jeppinamogaru after it could not be taken directly under the flyover.

Preparatory work at the new site had begun nearly two months ago and was completed before the monsoon. However, heavy rains delayed the shifting until now.

Speaking on the occasion, Mangaluru Jain Society president Pushparaj Jain said, “We have developed a circle at the new site and in the next two months, we will beautify the structure and inaugurate it. Our aim is to spread the message of Lord Mahaveer through this landmark.”

The Kalasha was originally installed in 2006 on 43 cents of land at Mahaveer Circle. After being dismantled in 2016, it was kept temporarily near Pumpwell police outpost, where it remained neglected for nine years. Continuous appeals from the Jain community finally led the Mangaluru City Corporation to approve its relocation, paving the way for its restoration at the new circle.