Mumbai: Magnificent Rathotsava at Sakinaka

Report and Pictures by Manoj Shetty, Nakre
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 17 February 2010: Sri Durga Parameshwari Yakshagana, Arts and Cultural Organisation of the Mumbai suburban region Sakinaka celebrated its 43rd anniversary with great enthusiasm and grandeur. Under the leadership of Mr. S.N. Udupa, the Executive President of the organisation, arranged the gana homa, Satyanarayan puja, mahapuja, annasantarpane and a grand procession in the temple of Sri Durga Parameshwari.

For the first time in the history of Sri Durga Parameshwari Yakshagana, Arts and Cultural Organisation a grand Rathotsva procession was organised in which thousands of Tulu-Kannadiga devotees participated in typical traditions of the Tulunadu in which scenes from Yakshagana, Kola, Bhootadarshana and Sri Devi were enacted. During this elaborate and colourful procession, the atmosphere in the entire surrounding Sakinaka region resembled that of Tulunadu. The people who had gathered in large numbers to witness this grand Rathotsava on both sides of the road along the route of the procession were delighted at the sight of the grandeur and verity of presentation from the Tulunadu.

During the night, cultural programmes were presented by the children of the members of Sri Durga Parameshwari Yakshagana, Arts and Cultural Organisation. Later, the members enacted a Yakshagana play. The award in memory of late Devdatta Bhuvaji that is being awarded every year was presented to Sri Moily. Besides, Mr. Govinda Shetty and Mr. Narayana Bangera, two members of the organisation who are also proficient artists were honoured during this occasion.

The Young President of the Sri Durga Parameshwari Yakshagana Mandali, Mr. Sudhakar G. Poojary, Honorary Secretary, Mr. Nityaprakash N. Shetty, the Chief Priest of Sri Durga Parameshwari temple, Shri Moily, the President of the Pooja Samithi, Mr. Mohan Gujaran and Secretary, Mr. Balachandra Shetty, all office bearers, women’s section, youth organisation and the Tulu-Kannadigas from the neighbouring regions of Sakinaka worked hard to make this programme as grand success.