CANACONA
Thousands of devotees, along with Mahajans, welcomed the new silver Festival Idol of Shri Mallikarjuna Dev Adwait Simhanaadhiswara Mahapati before its installation at the temple in Punyabhumi, Shristhal-Canacona, in a grand ceremony on Sunday.
The silver idol, designed by a goldsmith from Belagavi, arrived early at Char-Rasta at 10 am. From there, it was taken in a procession to the temple.
The Festival Idol was placed in a colourfully decorated vehicle adorned with flowers, and the procession, joined by thousands of devotees and Mahajans, featured traditional bands (Vajantri), Dindi, Lazim, and Dholtashe.
The idol was ceremoniously taken to the temple.
Suhasini performed Aarti as the vehicle made brief stops at Nagarcem, Chaudi, Khalwade, and Vadamoll.
The event concluded with the installation of the new idol in the temple, replacing the old murthi (idol), which is usually taken out every Monday and on various festive occasions. A communal Mahaprasad feast followed, with Mahaprasad distributed to all participating devotees.
