Mangalore: The Mangalore Dasara 2014 that starts today, on September 25, will be a 10-day festivity of devotion, fervour and gaiety that will culminate with grand overnight Dasara procession featuring for first time three tableaus sponsored by Kerala Janapada Academy depicting culture of God’s own country.

While Mayor Mahabala Marla will inaugurate the function of installation of Nava Durgas and Goddess Sharada in the presence of Urmila Ramesh Kumar on September 25 that will kick start the event, kshetra authorities have roped in chief minister Siddaramaiah to officially inaugurate the Mangalore Dasara 2014 on September 27.

B Janardhana Poojary, former union minister and chief architect of the Kshetra, will preside over the function.

The Mahanavami utsav rituals will commence today with installation of idols of Nava Durga and Goddess Sharada and daily puja and rituals will be offered to idols of Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kooshmandini, Siddhidatri, Mahakali, Mahagowri, Kathyayini, Skanda Mata, Adishakti, Shailaputri and Ganapathi.

A maha chandika homa on October 2 and mass feeding of devotees, a day later which is also penultimate day of the Navarathri Mahotsava is the highlight of the celebration this year.

The city is already decorated and dressed like a bride and awaits eagerly the start of the festivities.