Dasara: Mysuru officials invite Governor, writer Hampana, CM

NT Correspondent Mysuru: A delegation of the Mysuru district administration led by Deputy Commissioner G Lakshmikantha Reddy invited governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, CM Siddaramaiah, DCM DK Shivakumar and writer Hampa Nagarajaiah to the Dasara celebrations which will start from October 3. They invited the writer by visiting his residence and also felicitated him with a Mysuru shawl and peta. Later, they met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah along with Mysuru district minister Dr H C Mahadevappa. The delegation led by District Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa also invited Governor Thawarchand Gehlot after meeting him at Raj Bhavan to take part in the event.

Meanwhile, all 14 Dasara jumbos including captain Abhimanyu and 30 mounted police on horses participated in the cannon firing rehearsals that began from Thursday morning at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds parking lot. This drill was performed to acclimatize all 14 Dasara elephants and mounted horses with the booming sounds of cannons as a 21 round gun salute will be performed before the start of the Naada Habba Jamboo Savari procession on October 12 at Mysore Palace premises. Speaking to reporters DCF I B Prabhugowda said that the cannon fire rehearsal passed off smoontly.

All the 14 jumbos including the first time participant Ekalavya did not panic or display any fear and anxiety during the rehearsal. Seven cannons were used to fire 21 shots in three rounds and about 1.250 kg gunpowder was used to fire each shot. Two more rehearsals will be held at the Dasara Expo parking lot and the final rehearsal will be held at the parking lot near Varaha Gate of Mysore Palace, he said.