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

DHARMASTHALA, FEB. 14. The temple town of Dharmasthala 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, 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 was a unique tradition where "Hore Kanike" by people from all communities were accepted in whatever quantity and value, and offered to the temple.

It was the tradition that made the participation of people more important.

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

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