Udupi Uchila Dasara 2026 officially launched

The fifth annual Udupi Uchila Dasara 2026 was officially inaugurated on Sunday at the Sri Uchila Sri Mahalakshmi Temple. The 11-day festival, running from October 11 to October 21, is being organized with the support of the Karnataka Government’s Department of Kannada and Culture, alongside the Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha.

Udupi District Collector Swaroopa T. K. led the inauguration, noting that the Navaratri festival serves as an inspiration to awaken inner strength, courage, and knowledge. The event included religious rituals such as Udayapuje, Dhanyalakshmi Puja, and the installation of idols for Navadurga and Sri Sharada Devi.

Local leaders, including Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna and former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, attended the ceremony. They highlighted that while Dasara is traditionally celebrated in cities like Mysore and Mangalore, this festival provides a significant cultural and religious platform for the Udupi district and the coastal region.