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Thousands join Mangaluru Dasara Marathon in temple-organised event

The Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple organized a large-scale marathon as part of Mangaluru's Dasara festivities, drawing thousands of participants from across the city.

LSN India · 18 October 2026

Thousands join Mangaluru Dasara Marathon in temple-organised event

Mangaluru's Dasara celebrations reached a crescendo as the Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple hosted a marathon that attracted thousands of runners and fitness enthusiasts. The event, held as part of the month-long festival festivities, saw considerable participation from residents eager to combine fitness activities with religious observance during the auspicious season.

The marathon demonstrated the growing integration of sports and wellness initiatives with traditional festival celebrations in Karnataka's coastal region. Dasara, one of India's most significant festivals, is observed across the country with various cultural and religious programs. Mangaluru's version of the celebrations has increasingly incorporated community-focused events that engage residents beyond conventional temple rituals.

The Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple, one of Mangaluru's prominent religious institutions, has established itself as an active organizer of community events during festival seasons. The temple's initiative to host the marathon reflects a broader trend among religious organizations to leverage festive periods for promoting health consciousness and community participation. Such events often serve to strengthen social bonds while providing platforms for collective celebration of cultural traditions.