Mysore, Sep 19 (Inditop.com) Tourists from abroad danced to the beat of drums, adding colour to the festivities of the 10-day-long Dussehra festival that began here Saturday.
Art of Living founder and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar inaugurated the festivities by worshipping goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hills in Mysore, about 130 kms from Bangalore.
Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and several of his cabinet colleagues were present on the occasion.
On all the 10 nights the historical palace here will be illuminated and it will be one of the main tourist attraction during the festivities.
Classical music concerts, dance recitals, staging of plays, folk arts, dolls show, food bazaar, sports competitions and an air show will add to the glitter.
The grand finale of the festival on Vijayadashami or dussehra – the day goddess Chamundeshwari slew demon Mahishasura – will be the Jamboo Savari or a procession of elephants with the lead elephant carrying the idol of the goddess placed in a 750 kg golden carriage followed by a torchlight parade and fireworks after sunset at the Bannimantap grounds.
The preparations for the festival began almost two months back and the entire city has been decked up in varied colours.
Dussehra festivities were first organised in this city by King Raja Wodeyar I way back in 1610.
