Dharmasthala begins five-day Laksha Deepotsava today, Lakhs of devotees expected to participate
Dharmasthala: The historic Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple in Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada, commenced its grand five-day Laksha Deepotsava celebrations today.
The festival, which will continue till November 20, marks one of the most significant annual events at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala. Under the guidance of Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, the temple premises have been adorned with elaborate decorations and thousands of oil lamps, creating a spectacular spiritual atmosphere.
Daily celebrations lined up
As part of the Laksha Deepotsava, various traditional events will take place over the next five days:
November 15: Hosakatte Utsava
November 16: Kerekatte Utsava
November 17: Lalithodyana Utsava
November 18: Kanchimarukatte Utsava
November 19: Gaurimarukatte Utsava
The festival will conclude on November 20, followed by the Samavasarana Puja dedicated to Lord Chandranatha Swami in the evening.
93rd Sarva Dharma and Literary Conference
One of the major highlights of the Laksha Deepotsava is the prestigious 93rd Sarva Dharma and Literary Conference, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at 5 PM.
Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries, M.B. Patil, will inaugurate the event.
The conference will be presided over by Swami Swayamprakash Sachchidananda Saraswati of Hariharapura.
Senior journalist A. Suryaprakash Pandit and columnist Tanveer Ahmadulla will deliver keynote speeches on interfaith harmony, literature, and contemporary social issues.
Cultural extravaganza
A host of national and international artists will perform during the festival.
On November 19 at 8:30 PM, a grand Bharatanatyam dance ensemble choreographed by Chennai-based renowned artiste Sheela Unnikrishnan will be staged, adding a cultural flourish to the religious celebrations.
Grand Maharatotsava on November 19
The Maharatotsava of Lord Manjunatheshwara, scheduled for November 19, remains one of the most awaited events of the festival. Lakhs of devotees flock annually to witness the majestic procession and offer prayers.
With its blend of devotion, tradition, cultural vibrance, and interfaith dialogue, the Dharmasthala Laksha Deepotsava continues to stand as a symbol of Karnataka’s rich spiritual heritage and communal harmony. This year too, the festival is expected to draw massive crowds, reaffirming its status as one of the state’s most cherished celebrations.
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