Mysore (Karnataka): The famed Mysuru Dasara festivities begin today and the Navarathri festivities will be inaugurated by Former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna. Owing to COVID, the celebrations this year will not be held at a full scale to prevent the spread of the virus.
The number of attendees to the event has also been limited, reports say, adding that the District Administration and Police have been handed the authority to crowd control. Though the entry of people has been restricted to 400 for the inaugural event, Mysore District Minister S.T. Somashekar on Wednesday addressing a gathering at Chamundi Hills said that devotees would be allowed entry soon after the festivities begin.
SM Krishna to inaugurate Navarathri festivities:
The Nada Habba will be inaugurated by former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna atop Chamundi Hill during the auspicious Tula Lagna between 8.15 am and 8.45 am on Thursday, in the presence of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. This will be the 412th Dasara Navarathri to be celebrated since the erstwhile Mysore Kingdom had begun the tradition in 1610 AD.
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Jumbo Savari a key attraction:
This year Abhimanyu, a lead elephant amongst the Dasara jumbo squad has been trained to carry the Golden Howdah on the day of Vijayadashami (15th October). A key attraction of Dasara, the Jumbo Savari, a grand procession of elephants carrying the idols of deities including Goddess Chamundeshwari will take place on this day between 5 pm to 5:30 pm. The Jumbo Savari will be held within the Palace premises like the previous year instead of a 6-km procession till Bannimantap torchlight Parade Grounds. In the evening, from 4:36 pm to 4:44 pm the Nandi Dhwaja pooja will be performed.
Variety of Cultural programmes:
A variety of cultural programs will be held from October 7th to 13th from 6 pm to 9 pm. Eco-friendly LED lights have been used to decorate the 100km stretch. The 41 circles are illuminated with Ambari, Vidhana Soudha and KRS replicas.
Spectacular illumination of Mysore Palace, one of the main attractions in the city:
A large number of tourists are likely to visit the city. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation has decorated the city with lights for 100 km. The main attraction of the Mysore Dasara festival is the Mysore Palace which is lit daily in the evening.
