The Sights and Sounds of Festivity in Mysore Dasara

Chairperson of Infosys Foundation Smt Sudhar Murthy inaugurated the 408th editions of the world-famous Mysore Dasara celebrations. The 10-day extravaganza is a celebration of the states art, culture, traditions, literature and music.

The inauguration was done by Sudha Murthy at the auspicious time of Tula Lagna between 7.05 am, and 7.35 am by offering pooja to Shree Chamundeshwari Devi on Chamundi Hills who is also the guarding deity of the state. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara, and many ministers, including MLAs, were present on occasion. Earlier, Smt. Sudha Murthy was received in Mysuru by DC Abhiram Shankar at Mandakalli airport.

Mysore Dasara festivities and the allied event began on Tuesday, October 9, 2018. These activities include sports Dasara, film festival, flower show, food festival, wrestling tournaments, book festivals and display of art and crafts. Along with these, ‘Hasiru Mantapa’ – Showcasing clean and green environment, a glass house and various cultural events will also be inaugurated. Yuva Dasara which is focused on the youth is also part of the festivities. Kite festival, motorbike and car rally are already under progress.

World famous ‘Jambo Savari’ and Dasara procession will be held on the Vijayadashami day, i.e. 19th October. The Dasara festivities will end with the attractive torchlight parade which will also have acrobatics and stunts on bikes by army personnel. Governor Vajubhai Vala will receive a guard of honour at 7 pm at Bannimantapa on that day.

The entire city of Mysuru has been decked up like a bride with serial lights, festoons, colourful fountains in parks, roadside paintings adorning the city. Various events will be held at different venues in the city. Chamundi Vihar sports complex will host Sports Dasara. The flower show will be at Kuppanna park. Wrestling competitions will be held at wresting pits opposit the palace. Exhibitions and fair will be held at the Mysore Dasara Exhibition grounds and the DD Urs Multipurpose Stadium. The premises of the Mysore Palace will host the Dasara Procession on the ultimate day.

Dasara in the coastal town of Mangalore is as prominent as Mysore Dasara for the people of the district. Dasara in Lakshmeshwar in Gadag has been conducted for the last 45 years and a Dasara Darbar for nine days is part of the celebrations. The entire town of Lakshmeshwara town is decorated like a new bride during these nine days. Navaratri celebrations and Dasara procession on Vijayadashami is the highlight of another town of Thirthahalli in Karnataka.

Though it was previously thought that Dasara was celebrated only Mysore, Dasara festivities in Mangaluru is catching the attention of the entire country. The Dasara Festival in Kudroli Gokarnanath in Mangalore is celebrated for ten days amidst much pomp and gaiety. CM Kumaraswamy will inaugurate the Dasara festivities in Mangaluru on October 14.

A huge Dasara procession will be held on Vijayadashami day, but the entire town of Mangaluru has been decorated with lights and lamps.