Lepakshi Gandhi Shilp Bazaar 2023

Koteshwara, located in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district, holds great significance. The renowned Kotilingeshwara temple, with its mythological connections, is situated here. The Kodi festival, an eagerly anticipated fair in the coastal region, takes place annually at this temple. This festival, unique to coastal Karnataka, places newly married couples in the spotlight. The festival's main attraction is the Bamboo Chariot used during the festivities. The Kodi festival is a testament to the special celebration and unwavering faith found exclusively in this region. Formerly known as Dwajapura, the ancient Kotilingeshwar Temple of Koteswar stands here. The Koti Theertha water body, the largest Pushkarani in Karnataka, is also located in this area. The legend associated with this place is as follows: according to the Puranas, Maharaja Vasu Chakraborty of Basrur, who was childless for many years after marriage, made a vow to build a temple in Koteshwar if he were to have children. Eventually, the king was blessed with offspring, and true to his word, he constructed the temple. However, as the chariot or Brahma Ratha for the temple was not prepared in time, the king had a chariot made of bamboo and sugarcane bagasse. The Kodi Habba is held to commemorate this mythological incident. This festival takes place during the Kodi Month in the local language of Kundapur, usually in the last week of November or the beginning of December. Visitors to this festival often leave with sugarcane, as it is considered a must-have. The festival is celebrated grandly, both during the day and night, with numerous cultural programs and exhibitions of juggling and acrobatics. The town of Koteshwar is adorned with lights, attracting thousands of people daily.