Mysuru: The 83rd Kannada Sahitya Sammelana set rolling amid fanfare in the cultural city on November 24.
The procession started at Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple near the palace and proceeded through Ashoka Road, Ayurvedic Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road en route to the main venue in the Maharaja College Grounds.
The much awaited literary fest was jointly inaugurated by the Sammelana President Chandrashekar Patil, well known as “Champa” and District In-charge Minister H C Mahadevappa by hoisting National, Kannada and Sahitya Parishat flags.
Sahitya Sammelana President Chandrashkar Patil and his wife were taken in a jasmine flower bedecked vehicle, accompanied by cultural and dance troupes. Police band, traditional “Kamsale” dancers, horse driven carriages and more than 20 tableaus took part in the procession, reminding one of the Jamboo Savari held during Dasara. Children from different schools marched along sporting smiles drew wide appreciation from standing crowds.
Champa takes a different path!
Champa took a deviation from normal procedure by refusing to accept the traditional Mysuru turban (Peta) given in honour. He also refused to offer prayers to the only idol of Bhuvaneshwari associated with “Kannada pride” in the palace precincts. This caused some sort of embarrassment to H C Mahadevappa , who was seen urging cameramen around, not to record the proceedings.