Mangaluru: Mangaluru is gearing up for a grand celebration of Navratri and Mangaluru Dasara from October 11 to October 22. The coastal city is preparing with special lighting, improved sanitation, temple programmes, cultural events and additional public transport services.

The district administration has made extensive arrangements to welcome thousands of devotees and tourists during the festive season. District In-charge Minister U.T. Khader is overseeing the preparations.

A special lighting plan worth around Rs.2.2 crore has been prepared for the city. Major stretches from Nantoor to Lalbagh, PVS Junction, Navabharath Circle and Hampankatta will be decorated with colourful lights.

The road towards Mangaladevi Temple will also receive special illumination. The lighting arrangements are expected to add to the festive atmosphere across the city.

The administration has also given priority to cleanliness. Special teams will clean important roads every night after the celebrations. Additional vehicles will be deployed for garbage collection near more than 200 temples where Annasantarpane programmes are being held.

Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple will be one of the main centres of Mangaluru Dasara celebrations. Goddess Sharada and the Navadurgas will be installed at the temple on October 11.

Several competitions and cultural programmes are planned as part of the celebrations. These include rangoli, devotional singing, flower garland making and the Muddhu Sharade programme.

The Mangaladevi Temple is also preparing for its traditional Mangaluru Dasara celebrations. Special daily Alankara rituals will be performed during the festival and are expected to attract a large number of devotees.

The grand Dasara Shobhayatre will be held on October 21. The procession will pass through important parts of the city.

Pili Vesha teams, folk dancers and Kerala chende performers will be among the major attractions. Colourful tableaus based on different themes will also take part in the procession.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has introduced special Navratri tour packages for devotees and tourists. The single-day tours will operate from October 11 to October 20.

Several commercial venues and hotels in Mangaluru are planning Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri.

Dandiya Nights will be held at Goldfinch Hotel on October 17. Hotel AJ Grand Elite will host its Dandiya Festival on October 16 and 17.

Dandiya Night 2.0 is scheduled at Edge Water in Sulthan Bathery on October 18. These events are expected to attract youngsters and families.

The 4th edition of the Mangaluru Dasara Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 18. The event will begin at Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple.

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Cash prizes worth Rs.1 lakh will be offered as part of the marathon. The event aims to promote fitness, participation and unity during the festive season.

With temple festivities, cultural programmes, colourful processions, special tours and community events, Mangaluru is set to witness a vibrant Navratri and Dasara season this year.

Mangaluru: The CPI(M) South Kannada and Udupi district committees staged a protest in Mangaluru on Thursday, demanding a people-centric development policy for coastal Karnataka.

The protest was held in connection with the Karnataka government’s special Cabinet meeting taking place in Mangaluru.

The protesters alleged that the government was promoting a corporate-friendly Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the name of development. They called for policies that focus on the basic needs of the people.

“Coastal Karnataka needs policies that provide education, employment, healthcare and housing,” the protesters said. They also opposed development plans that primarily benefit corporate interests.

The protesters gathered at the Bendorewell Junction and attempted to march towards Praja Soudha at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office complex in Padil, where the Cabinet meeting was being held.

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However, the police stopped the march and took the protesters into custody.

The CPI(M) leaders urged the state government to frame development policies after considering the needs and concerns of people in the coastal districts.

Mangaluru: Police have arrested a 34-year-old man who had been absconding for nearly nine years in connection with a case registered in 2017.

The accused has been identified as Ashfaq, a resident of Khileria Nagar in Mukkacheri, Ullal.

The case was registered at the Mangaluru North Police Station in 2017. Ashfaq had failed to appear before the court during the trial and had remained absconding.

The case is currently being heard at the 2nd JMFC Court in Mangaluru. The court had issued an LPC warrant for his arrest and production before the court.

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Based on the warrant, Mangaluru North Police traced and arrested Ashfaq on September 8.

The police team then produced him before the court. The court has remanded Ashfaq to judicial custody.