MYSORE, INDIA, September 24, 2006: Dasara festivities began in this historic city on Saturday, with the lighting of the traditional lamp and a special puja to Goddess Chamumdeshwari, the main Deity, atop Chamundi hills. Continuing the traditional link, Mr. Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, of the Mysore royal family, began the festivities by performing a puja inside the palace. The entire city has been spruced up for the grand ten day celebrations with a number of main thoroughfares, heritage buildings and Government offices illuminated. Various cultural events have been organized to mark the occasion. Events have been organized for every section of the society so that they can celebrate. Besides, wrestling, karate, an air show, yuva Dasara, a poet’s conference and food mela are planned. A police band program by the police personnel from across the State will also be held. These festivities have undergone a transformation in recent years and now the festival has a blend of religious elements with socio-cultural components, corporate sponsorships of events. The events will generate an additional revenue of around US$16,000. The festivities will culminate with the famous Dasara Procession on October 2, begun by Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy.
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