Mysuru Dasara 2023: Ten-day festivities inaugurated; Jamboo Savari on October 24

Renowned music director Hamsalekha on Sunday (October 15) inaugurated the historic Mysuru Dasara 2023 festival, which is known for its regality.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his deputy DK Shivakumar and other Cabinet colleagues, MP Pratap Simha, and other MLAs were present during the inauguration.

Siddaramaiah launched Mysuru Dasara in a traditional way by offering Agrapuja to Goddess Chamundeshwari at Chamundi Hill.

Prior to the grand opening of the 10-day celebrations, Siddaramaiah along with the ministers offered special prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari in Mysuru.

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 at least we will recieve good rains during the 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.

Through this event, Karnataka conveys to its people the tradition, culture, language and the development achieved by the state, he underlined.

The chief minister also stressed the importance of mutual respect and harmony.

"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, should live with love and dignity. We must acknowledge that this is very essential for the country and the state," he said.

Pointing towards the preamble of the Constitution, Siddaramaiah said everyone is equal in the eyes of law and everyone should get equal opportunity.

"It is the responsibility of every government to achieve the objectives of the preamble. Resources and rights should be equally distributed among people. This is what we call social justice," the chief minister said.

In this regard, he explained the five guarantees promised by the state government.

While four guarantees have been implemented, the fifth guarantee, 'Yuva Nidhi', will come into effect from January next year, Siddaramaiah said.

Under 'Yuva Nidhi', the Congress government has promised to give an unemployment allowance of Rs 3,000 to graduates and Rs 1,500 to diploma holders who passed in the 2021-23 academic year but could not get a job.

"On behalf of the people of Karnataka, I invite everyone from across the country and the world to the grandeur of the Mysuru Dasara festivities," Siddaramaiah wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"Mysuru Dasara isn't just a festival; it's an experience. An embodiment of Karnataka's culture, heritage, and spirit. It's a symphony of colours, sounds, and emotions that resonates with every heart and soul," he added.

The Dasara festivities are dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is the prime deity of Mysuru city and the Mysuru Wodeyar royal family.

The event celebrates Goddess Chamundeshwari's victory over Mahishasura, the demon king.

After defeating Mahishasura, the Goddess made a hill her abode, which is known as Chamundi Hill.

During the next 10 days, a host of cultural events will take place.

The city will also see the Kushti competition, where wrestlers from across the country will take part.

People eagerly wait for the grand finale of Mysuru Dasara on Vijaya Dashami or the 10th day of the full moon fortnight when Jamboo Savari is taken out.

Jamboo Savari is a procession of caparisoned elephants. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is seated in the houdah of the pilot elephant.

Various tableaux and cultural troupes will follow the Jamboo Savari, which will take place on October 24.