Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji of Jnana Yogashram in Bijapur inaugurated world famous Dasara festivities by offering a puja and flowers to presiding deity Sri Chamundeshwari, placed on a silver chariot atop the Chamundi Hill on Tuesday.
The swamiji officially launched the Paramararika Dasara, being celebrated by the government for nine days, in Dahnur Langa in the presence of Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and others. He prayed for the development and prosperity of Akanda Karnataka.
The swamiji said Akanda Karnataka should be one, and communities should live together as a single entity.
The swamiji said Dasara was the pride of the state as it got to exhibit its culture, ancient tradition. He extended an invitation to the world to know the pride, culture, significance of the land of Karnataka that had great scholars and thinkers. Terming Mysore as a city blessed with nature and scholars, he wanted the people to transform Dasara into “nada habba” that attracted the world through its rich culture. He also stressed the need to conserve nature, wildlife, and the need to keep people happy.
On the occasion, Shettar said the BJP government in the state had given importance to Dasara and added that the credit for making Dasara festivities more colourful through local art and culture should go the Wadiyars. Referring to Mysore Palace centenary celebrations, he said the government had set aside `25 crore for the celebrations.