Dasara to ring in 10-day festive spirit from tomorrow

Mysore, Sep 22 (UNI) Representing both continuity and change by incorporating contemporary elements without compromising on the religious aspects, the world famous Dasara festivities is all set to enthrall the devouts and tourists alike in this city of palaces from tomorrow.

The Karnataka Government had decided to celebrate the nine-day festival, falling on the 'Suvarna Karnataka' year, in all its traditional glory and splendour.

Noted Kannada writer and activist G Narayana would inaugurate the fest tomorrow by offering a special pooja to Goddess Chamundeswari, the principal deity of the city, atop Chamundi hills. Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa would preside over the function.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy would flag off the famous Dasara procession on October two, marking the culmination of the fete.

Later in the evening, the festival would end with a mega torchlight parade at Bannimantap grounds, where Governor T N Chaturvedi would take the guard of honour.

To celebrate a festival with mythological references, history of many centuries, many traditional practices and new dimensions, the Government had arranged an array of events. Private participation had been enlisted for the fourth time to conduct the festival and the leading sponsors include TVS and State Bank of Mysore.

Mysore district Deputy Commissioner Selva Kumar told UNI about 40 lakh tourists were expected to witness the festivities this year. Over 1,000 artists would enthuse the audience with their cultural programmes, to be held at the Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan palace, Kalamandira and other places.

In a bid to cash in on the increased tourist arrivals during the Dasara festivities, the State Tourism department had announced a few special services like linking places of interest around Mysore and issuing Gold Card to tourists.

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