MYSURU: The 408th edition of the world famous Dasara took off on a colourful note with poet Prof K S Nissar Ahmad inaugurating it by showering flowers on the Chamundeshwari idol placed in a silver chariot atop the Chamundi Hill on Thursday.
Ahmad wrote a new verse stressing the need for strengthening social harmony and celebrating festivals transcending the barriers of caste, creed and religion.
Dressed in white suit, the renowned poet was given a ‘poorna kumbha’ reception with a garland of Mysuru jasmine. He was escorted by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and District Minister H C Mahadevappa.
Ahmad started his address reciting four lines from D R Bendre’s writing and said inauguration of the centuries old festival was the “greatest moment of my life”.
“I was initially shocked and scared to accept the invite to open the festival. I introspected whether I have the morality to inaugurate it. I decided to accept it as Dasara attracts people from across the globe and from all religions and sects whereas Haj and Kumbh Melas are confined to particularly religions,” he said.
Thanking the government for inviting him to inaugurate the festivities, he said the festival with the blessing of Durga (deity) will help score over the evil.
VIEW GALLERY: Mysuru Dasara: Celebrating the ten days of Navratri
“It is this force that protected the Wadiyars and elected governments against evil forces and blessed us with rains, greenery and prosperity over the years”, he added.
Lauding the government for celebrating festival on theme of strengthening of the Constitution, democracy, equality and unity of Kanndigas, he paid rich tributes to Kannada stalwarts Masti, Kuvempu and Bendre.
Ahmad said the emergence of new age media and cellphones has opened opportunities to take Dasara festivities to rest of the world. Siddaramaiah said the image of the government has enhanced with Ahmad inaugurating Dasara festivities. He said the poet is non-controversial and liked and loved by the masses.
He said the celebrations of Dasara will boost tourism in state
YADUVEER BRINGS ALIVE 400-YR-OLD TRADITION AT PRIVATE DURBAR
The Mysore royal family brought a 400-year-old tradition alive by setting in motion the private Durbar known as khas durbar at the Amba Vilas palace. The private durbar attended by only a few privileged and family members witnessed the ascending of the golden throne by Yaduveer Krishnadutta Chamaraja Wadiyar, 27th scion of Mysore Royal family.
It was the third private durbar for Yaduveer after his coronation and demise of Srikantadutta Narashimraja Wadiyar in 2013. Yaduveer was given a ceremonial bath and later he took part in Ganapathy homa and kankana was tied on his wrist at Chamundi thotti at 8 am.
Cops stop Nissar Ahmad’s car
Despite the city top cop assuring that there will not be any confusion, they put the state guest and the protocal officer in an awkward position when they stopped the vehicle that was taking Nissar Ahmad and his wife to inaugurate Dasara festivities.
The cops standing near barricades stopped the car and told that they would allow only Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s vehicle. The protocal officer pleaded with cops to let allow vehicle to pass as it was taking state guest. But, the car was stopped near milk parlour en route the temple.
The scribes on duty also intervened and alerted cops that he was state guest and requested them to leave his vehicle to main doors of Chamundi Hill which was turned down by the cops. However, a senior official rushed and ensured that the vehicle was let inside.
Disabled women gets a house
Chief Minister sanctioned a house on the spot when a disabled women with her kid was waiting at Dasoha Bhavan. As Chief Minister got down from dinning hall, she appealed for financial assistance. Siddaramaiah gave her Rs 500 and sanctioned house on the spot. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to get a house sanctioned to the woman.