-Anand Kumar Barkur
The serene town of Barkur in Udupi district came alive with devotional fervor and cultural vibrancy as the Shettigar Industries Public Ganesh Committee hosted its 19th annual Ganesh Utsav on September 8-9, 2024. The two-day extravaganza, held at Ranganakere, drew thousands of devotees and spectators from across the region.
Day 1: A Symphony of Rituals and Performances
The festival commenced on Sunday, September 8, with a series of elaborate rituals. At the crack of dawn, devotees gathered for the Gana Homa, followed by the Maha Pooja and Maha Mangalarati, which concluded by 9 AM. The air was thick with the fragrance of incense and the melodious chanting of Vedic hymns.
As the sun reached its zenith, the organizers hosted a grand community feast, serving sumptuous meals to all attendees. The afternoon saw devotees immersed in bhajans, their voices rising in unison to praise Lord Ganesha. The evening rituals included the auspicious Ranga Pooja, adding to the spiritual ambiance.
The cultural segment of the festival began at 7 PM with a mesmerizing musical performance by the P. Kalingarao Memorial Melodies team, led by the talented Rajesh Shan Bhog. The audience was enthralled by their soulful renditions of devotional songs.
Honoring Excellence: A Celebration of Achievers
The highlight of the evening was the inaugural ceremony of the Dharmika Sabha (Religious Assembly) at 8 PM. Mr. Rajaram Shetty, the director of Hotel Ashraya in Brahmavara and SVVN English Medium School in Heradi, Barkur, had the honor of inaugurating the event. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. B Umesh Acharya, the president of the Shettigar Industries Public Ganesh Festival Committee.
Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including:
- Mr. B Shantaram Shetty, President of Grama Panchayath and President of the Renovation Committee of Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Barkur
- Mr. Purushottam Shettigar, retired lecturer from Excellent P.U. College, Guruvayankere, Belthangady
- CA Ganesh Kanchan from Barkur
- Vedamurthy Ramesh Bhat Nayar from Bittu
- Mr. Narayana Murthy of Vishnu Developers, Bangalore
- Mr. B Srinivas Shettigar from Ranganakere, who served as the honorary president
In a heartwarming gesture, the committee recognized and honored individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields:
1. Mr. Satish Poojary, founder of Global Coir Industries, Bennekudru
2. Mr. Sandeep Poojary Naduru, temple contractor from Naduru Associates
3. Mrs. Geeta Anand Shetty, teacher at Government High School, Vadarse
4. Mr. Girish Kumar, Assistant Police Inspector, Udupi
5. Mrs. Pallavi Raj, Health Security Officer
The committee also expressed gratitude to Mr. Satish S. Amin from Bennekudru and others who donated two boats for the Ganesha immersion ceremony.
Cultural Extravaganza
The evening concluded with a captivating theatrical performance of "Shiva Duta Gulige" by Kalasangama Udupi, leaving the audience spellbound.
Day 2: Grand Finale and Visarjan
The final day of the festival, Monday, September 9, begin with the customary Gana Homa, Maha Pooja, and Maha Mangalarati, followed by another community feast. The highlight of the day is the Visarjan (immersion) ceremony, scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM with special pujas and the distribution of prasad.
The grand procession, featuring the idol of Lord Ganesha, will wind its way through the streets of Barkur, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the Naman Chande group from Udupi and the captivating performance of the Sridevi Daya Puppet Troupe from Parkala. The procession will culminate at the lake near the Ratnagarbha Ganapati Temple, where the Jala Stambhana (water immersion) ceremony will take place, assisted by the Mogaveera Youth Association of Bennekudru, Barkur.
As the sun sets on this year's celebration, the organizers and devotees alike are already looking forward to the 20th anniversary of this beloved community festival, which has become an integral part of Barkur's cultural landscape.
The Shettigar Industries Public Ganesh Festival Committee extends a warm welcome to all, inviting them to partake in this joyous celebration of faith, culture, and community spirit.