Mangaluru: Colourful ‘Okuli’ celebrated with merriment concluding the Car Festival

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 25, 2018: Carstreet in Mangaluru turned colourful on Wednesday,  Fubruary 13, as GSB devotees both young and  old celebrated the  festival of Okuli with  great enthusiasm on the final day of  the  renowned Kodial Theru of  Sri Venkataramana Temple.

Unlike previous years, a lot of restrictions were imposed in this year’s Okuli. Young boys and girls were disappointed as Dance floors, Loud speekers, water tankers and cheer dance were banned in this year. However, it was a sight to watch as people  gleefully enjoyed splashing coloured water  and slapping colour powder on each other.

Hundreds danced in merriment as  Lord Sri Venkataramana and Goddess Padmavathi  proceeded on the  first journey of their wedded life. Tiger dance and bands were special attraction.

The annual car festival has a special significance to the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community  as it is a commemoration of the divine union of Lord Venkataramana and Goddess Padmavathi.