Mangaluru: This year’s Mangalore Dasara celebrations at Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple have drawn comparisons with the iconic Mysuru Dasara, with ministers hailing it as a festival that has grown into a symbol of pride for Karnataka.
Inaugurating the Mangalore Dasara 2025, state religious endowments and transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said the event, guided by former Union minister B Janardhan Poojary, has been expanding in scale and splendour each year. “Poojary is an unparalleled organiser, and under his leadership, this festival has attained national prominence,” Reddy said.
Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that the state government would allocate funds for Mangalore Dasara from next year, on the lines of Mysuru and Madikeri Dasara. “Our cultural and spiritual heritage is the strength of this land. The government will also send art troupes to join the Dasara procession here,” he added.
Assembly speaker U T Khader said Kudroli has become the cultural heart of Dakshina Kannada. “Religious faith is not weakness; it is the strength of this land. No religion should turn into a sword that wounds. India’s soul is unity in diversity, and we must walk that path,” he stressed.
The event was presided over by Janardhan Poojary, with several political leaders, including MP K Brijesh Chowta, MLCs Manjunatha Bhandari and Ivan D’Souza, and former minister B Ramanath Rai, in attendance.
Dasara awards presented
The Dasara Honorary Award 2025 was conferred on Alva’s Education Institutions president Dr M Mohan Alva, Rani Abbakka Tulu Study Centre director Dr Tukaram Poojary and Lady Goshen Hospital medical superintendent Dr Durga Prasad MR. The Asamanya Stree Puraskar was awarded to Shalet, known for caring for mute animals.