After a refreshing
afternoon nap, we set off to check out the local places within Mangalore. Since
it was the main festival day of Navarathri, the whole of Mangalore was decked
up with lights along major roads. Most of the market places were closed. Couple
of local beaches that can be visited are Panambur beach and Tannirbhavi beach.
The way to Panambur beach is smeely since there are industries on the way.
The main diety of the city is Mangaladevi. We went to see the temple and the planned festivities. The procession along the streets is famous during this festive time. Royal tiger dance is a popular folk dance during dusshera. Young men form troops, wear tiger costume and dance like a tiger.
After aarthi at the main temple, idols of Navadurgas along with Ganesha and sharada are taken on
procession. For this a special chariot is decorated grandly with flowers and
lights. This is pulled with thick ropes. The temple arranges for various
cultural programmes and these are shown across the city on big screens.
Various tableau
decorated in different themes follow in the procession. The procession goes on
till wee hours of next day.