Mangalore Car Festival commences
Photo: Manju Neereshwallya
Mangalore, Jan 19: The Shri Vekataramana Car Festival, which is popularly known as the Mangalore Car Festival, commenced with grand religious ceremonies in the premises of the temple in the evening of Jan 18, 2010.
The Gone Murhutha marked the beginning of the first day of this festival, after which the idol of Lord Venkataramana was taken in a Bandi Utsav and a Gopur Utsav.
During the Gopur Utsav, the idol was taken around the temple premises 5 times. The first round, known as the “Veda Suttu” included chanting of hymns to the god. The second round, known as the “Bhajana Suttu,” included the singing of bhajans by devotees. The third round, known as “Chende Suttu,” included the playing of instruments similar to the dhol. The fourth round, known as “Vaadya Suttu,” included the playing of instruments such as saxophones. The fifth and final round, known as “Doundi Suttu,” had the priests and the devotees take the idol in a palanquin around the premises. After these rituals, the idol was placed at the Vasanth Mantapa of the temple and then taken into the temple.
Prasadam was distributed to the devotees from late evening to late into the night.
Sri Venkatramana Temple Car Street has launched its Website Today.