Mysore Dasara Festivities begin on colourful note

Mysore, Oct 12 (UNI) The world-famous Mysore Dasara festivities began in this historical city today with the lighting of a lamp and special puja to Goddess Chamundeswari, the main deity, atop the Chamundi Hills.

Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji of Adhichunchanagiri Math inangurated the festivities by offering pooja to the Goddess and declared open the state festival before the temple.

Speaking on the occasion, the seer said the Dasara celebrations symbolised unity in diversity of the state as well as the country.

It helped people to understand each other better by meeting at one place.

He recalled the days when the Dasara festivities were celebrated during the time of Vijyanagara Empire, to mark the victory of the good over the evil.

Continuing the traditional link, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodiyar, scion of the Mysore Royal family, started the festivities by performing a pooja inside the Mysore Palace in a traditional manner.

He would also observe religious chores as laid down by the texts and ascended the golden throne on the occasion.

This process would continue until the last day of the Dasara festivities. The event would be witnessed by members of the Royal family and special invitees.

MORE UNI