MYSURU: The cultural city of Mysuru is decked up for the inauguration of world famous Dasara festivities which attract people from across the globe.
Renowned poet K S Nissar Ahmad will formally inaugurate the ten-day festivities by offering puja to presiding deity Chamundeshwari in the auspicious Tula Lagna at Chamundi hill at 8.45 am atop Chamundi Hill on Thursday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, District Minister H C Mahadevappa and others will be present on the occasion.
Despite scanty rains and prevailing drought-like situation, the state government decided to celebrate Dasara festivities without compromising its tradition and culture and chalked out programmes based on the objective of strengthening the constitution, democracy and equality through the festival.
Liberal and non-controversial poet Nissar Ahmad will be extended Poornakumba reception with Nandhi Dhawja, folk artistes performing to the tune of drums. The cultural events will be held at six venues apart from Dasara sports, wrestling and Yuva Dasara that will enthral the crowd.
Meanwhile, hectic preparations are on in Mysore Palace for the private durbar under the supervision of Pramodha Devi Wadiyar, widow of Srikantadutta Narashimaraja Wadiyar. Private durbar is still a main attraction as many like to have glimpse of it. Pramodhadevi Wadiyar is personally monitoring the preparations and have finalised the dress, traditional robes, Mysore Turbans and jewels to be used during the nine-day private Dasara. Yaduveer Krishnadutta Narashimaraja Wadiyar, who will be ascending the throne for the third year, will perform all the rituals. The golden throne has been assembled at the durbar hall.
Last-minute preparations
Though Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had instructed the officials to complete Dasara works much in advance, there are hundreds of workers giving final touches to roads and footpaths. The rains from last one week has hit filling of potholes in and around the city. The tourists will be greeted with bad roads and incomplete works.
CM to launch programmes
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate Police helpline atop Chamundi Hill. He will inaugurate film festival, adventurous sports, women’s Dasara, food mela, wrestling competitions, book expo, flower show, Rangayana Natakothasava, Dasara exhibition and Dasara cultural programme and will present State Vidwan award.
Hill shrine bustling with activity
Meanwhile, the priests at Chamundi Hill temple are busy as the rituals will start from 4 am on Thursday. The priests will give ceremonial bath to Chamundeshwari idol and will decorate the goddess with silk saree and colourful flowers in a silver chariot. There will be restrictions on public visiting temple during inauguration of Dasara festivities.
Yuva Dasara offers melange of events
Like every year, Yuva Dasara offers a melange of events with a mix of Sandalwood and Bollywood hit numbers. Addressing media persons here on Wednesday, Yuva Dasara Sub-committee president Manjunath said a variety of events are lined up from September 22 to September 29 at Maharaja’s College grounds during evening hours. District Minister H C Mahadevappa will inaugurate the celebrations on September 22 at 6 pm. Actors Srujan Jokesh and Rachita Ram will be present.