Dasara festivities in Mysore may be world-famous, but JC Nagar in the city is gearing up for its own unique Dasara Utsav, which would involve 10 days of celebrations on a grand scale.
Area residents say that while the Mysore celebrations were known as a State festival, the events in JC Nagar were more of a ‘People’s Dasara’.
Banni Puja, which is one of the major rituals performed during Dasara, used to be held at JC Nagar at the same time as it was conducted in Mysore. This year, as many as 78 chariots, with different themes like ‘Life of Sant Kabir Das’, ‘Krishna Leela’, and ‘Humantha’, will be part of the celebrations.
“People, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, come together to make Dasara Utsav a huge success,” said T Prabhakar, working president, Dasara Mahothsava Samithi. This year’s preparations involve artistes from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, who are making idols of Goddess Chamundi. He added that each chariot costs between `5 to 10 lakh and was being funded by local residents of Munireddypalya.
This year, the Dasara procession is scheduled to begin from the JC Nagar police station to make use of the free space available near Fun World theme park.
Utsav-Potpouri of All Festivals
Magnitude Gallery, Jaynagar, is organising a month-long exhibition that would showcase all prominent Indian festivals and highlight their myriad themes. The theme for Dasara, of course, is the burning of an effigy of Ravan on the ninth day.
The exhibition, which commenced on Wednesday and would continue until October 31, is already attracting hundreds of visitors daily.
Largest Doll Show
Dhaatu Navaratra Mahothsava is considered as the State’s largest exhibition of Navaratri dolls. The exhibition is being held in the city annually since 1995.a This time, around 5,000 dolls will be on display during the 10 days of Navaratri. Dolls of Goddess Gowri, considered as one of the traditional dolls in the State, would also be on display.
“We narrate stories to kids through the dolls, making them understand the culture and traditional history of the festival,” says Anupama, director, Dhaatu Navaratra Mahothsava located in Banashankari.
Anupama added that this year’s exhibition aimed to showcase events from epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna Leela, Bhaagavatha Purana and Kailasa.