Mysuru: The 10-day long Mysore Dasara festivities got off to a traditional start atop the Chamundi hills with special prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru here on Tuesday, October 13.
Progressive farmer Puttaiah inaugurated the festivities, which is celebrated as ‘Nada Habba’ (State Festival), by lighting a traditional lamp and offering flowers to the idol of the goddess placed inside an ornamented silver chariot.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, some of his Cabinet colleagues, local elected representatives and senior officials were also present. The Chief Minister later felicitated the farmer.
Yaduveer’s first Dasara
A private Darbar of the Mysore king Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar is one of the attractions of the Mysore Dasara celebrations. People from various parts of the state come to witness this historic Darbar, which reminds the people of the glory of the Mysore King.
As the motion was set for Dasara Utsav at Chamundi Hill, Mysore king Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar wore the royal attire and performed traditional practices with the view of giving a private darbar on Dasara. The puja was offered to the palace jumbo, horse and cow on the same occasion.
Yaduveer gave a royal salute as the police band played the erstwhile Mysore state anthem “Kayo Sri Gowri” in the background. He also received offerings from 24 mutts and temples, including Chamundi Hill, Srirangapatna, Melukote and Sringeri Sharada peetam and blessings of palace priests.
After Srikantadatta Wodiyar passed away on December 10, 2013 in Bengaluru without naming a successor, the royal sword (pattada katti) was placed on the throne at the start of the Navaratri festival in the absence of his successor until his widow Pramoda Devi adopted Yaduveer. His coronation took place in May this year.
