The Hindu : Karnataka News : `Maha Nadavali' after 53 years

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 15, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

`Maha Nadavali' after 53 years

By Our Staff Correspondent

A view of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala which will organise `Maha Nadavali' at the Annappa Betta near Dharmasthala from Friday.

DHARMASTHALA, FEB. 14. This temple town will see history being re-written when "Maha Nadavali" will be performed after 53 years.

The "Dharma Devathas" of Nelyadi Beedu will be brought to Dharmasthala in a ceremonious festival and the town is getting ready for the festival commencing on February 18.

The event was last held in 1952 under Manjayya Heggade, the then Heggade of Dharmasthala.

The main feature of the festival is the grand reception to the "Dharma Devathas" of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala given by the Heggade and his family.

The "Dharma Devathas" will be fed and offered pujas in their respective "Daiva Sthaanas" in a traditional way. One of the highlights of the 11-day grand "Maha Nadavali" is the arrival of "Hore Kanike" (head load offerings) from the devotees. The chief of the "Hore Kanike" collection for Mangalore taluk, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, told The Hindu that it is a unique tradition where "Hore Kanike" by people from all communities are accepted in whatever quantity and value, and offered to the temple. It is a tradition that makes the participation of people more important.

Mr. Kalkura said Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and others are sending their offerings and they are being stored in 25 centres in Dakshina Kannada district.

On February 21, they will be brought to Mangalore and sent to Dharmasthala in a convoy. Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt will inaugurate the festival. The swamiji inaugurated the festival in 1952 when he was 17.

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