Festive spirit all around as Mysuru Dasara begins

Mysuru: The historic Mysuru Dasara festival got off to a colourful start with renowned music director Hamsalekha inaugurating the celebrations known for their regality.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his deputy D K Shivakumar and others dignitaries were present during the inauguration. Speaking on the occasion, Siddaramaiah said the state government is organising the Dasara festival in keeping with tradition but in a simple way due to drought this year.

"We have prayed to the Goddess Chamundeshwari (the prime deity of Mysuru city) that we should at least receive good rains during the ongoing monsoon," he said.

Explaining the importance of Mysuru Dasara, which is celebrated as 'Nada Habba' (State festival), Siddaramaiah said people across the world come to see this.

"Our state is rich in art, culture and music. People of Karnataka are well cultured. It is essential for every Kannadiga, whichever caste or religion they belong to, to live with love and dignity. We must acknowledge that this is very essential for the country and the state," he said. (PTI)