MYSORE: The Vijayadashami procession, the grand finale of the ten-day Dasara festivities, was witnessed by thousands, including foreign tourists on Sunday.

Though there were apprehensions that rain may play spoilsport, the procession took off in bright sunlight showcasing the culture and heritage of the state, with the regal pomp enthralling the crowd.

As the Legislative Assembly is kept under suspended animation and President’s rule imposed on the state, the venue of Vijayadashami procession was free from leaders and party workers.

As per the custom, it was the chief minister who offers Nandi puja at Balarama Gate and then offer flowers to presiding deity Goddess Chamundeshwari. But in the present political scenario, it was Governor Rameshwara Thakur’s turn. He arrived ten minutes before the scheduled time at the Balarama Gate of the Mysore Palace and offered the customary Nandi Puja at 2 p.m. In his message, Thakur said Karnataka is known for its rich heritage and culture. He also wished that Goddess Chamundeshwari will bless the state for its overall development.

Later, the Governor, his wife Narmadha and scion of Mysore Royal family Srikanatadutta Narashimraja Wadiyar got up to the podium to offer floral tributes to local deity Goddess Chamudeshwari, placed on the 750 kg Golden Howdah, carried by Balarama, the elephant.

Floral tributes were followed by a 21-gun salute. The police band played the National Anthem to mark the beginning of the Jumbo Savari.

Around 76 troupes, including 27 tableaux, showcased the development and promotion of tourism, Akshara Dasoha of Siddaganaga Seer, tableau on the use of Vitamin A tablets, traditional items like Mysore jasmine, betal leaves, erranagere brijan, traditional art, women empowerment, sericulture, and few other things related to the history and heritage of Karnataka were displayed.

More than 50 folk troupes like Geru dance, Veeragase and Kamsale attracted the tourists and dignitaries. The grand finale was shot by South African television channel, and was recorded by ten national and state television channels.

Howdah elephant Balaram carrying Goddess Chamundeshwari was accompanied by Kanthi and Sarala followed by cultural troupes, police platoons playing band, NCC cadets, and mounted police.

Thousands of people had poured in from early morning all long the three-km stretch to get a glimpse of the grand procession.

KOLLUR VIJAYADASHAMI CELEBRATION

KOLLUR: As many as 1,000 children were participated in the ‘Vidyarambha’, a religious ritual marking the initiation of imparting education at Sri Mookambika temple, Kollur on Sunday, the Vijaya Dashami Day.

According to official sources, as many as 15,000 devotees were gathered in a single day, to be blessed by the Godess Mookambika. The ‘Vidyarambha’ began in the wee hours of 4 am. Children of below four years age, sitting on the laps of their parents were made to write on the rice kept in trays, at Saraswathi Mantap, infront of the temple. Priest wrote ‘Om’ on the tongue using a golden ring.

On Saturday, the ‘Rathothsava’ was held, in which thousands of devotees were participated and had the prasadam. Variety of cultural programmes followed the Rathothsava, till mid night.

MANGALORE DASARA-2007

Electrifying Mangalore Dasara

If the 'Jamboo savari' is speciality of Mysore dasara, its 'navadurga' idols stole the show in Mangalore dasara.
Sunday witnessed the grand and most astounding shobhayatra(procession) ever happened in the city of Mangalore. The procession of Sharada, the godess known for blessing her devotees with education, wealth and power and protecting them from enemies, enlivened the roads of mangalore with energy.
Procession consisted of tableaus, many costumes like hulivesha brought life to the procession.
Janardana poojary, the main contributor behind the Mangalore dasara, gave momentum to the procession at 4.30 p.m. 9 encarnations of Godess Durga were taken out from the Koragappa hall at kudroli, and were carried on specially designed charriots.
Chende(drums), colourful umbrellas, Colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands gave a majestic look to the procession.
The grand procession passed through mannagudda, ladyhill, lalbagh, PVS circle, k.s.rao road, hampanakatta circle, GHS road, and then reurned back to kudroli, for immersion of the idol.
people gathered in large numbers for watching the procession. People were seen taking the glimpse of Durga with keen interest and adoration.
Since the movement of yatra was slow, pendals were erected at many places, for the deities to listen to orchestra.