MYSORE, INDIA, September 30, 2008: Dusshere, Karnataka’s most prominent festival and part of the Navaratri celebrations, began atop the Chamundi hills here with the centenarian Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga mutt lighting the traditional lamp to inagurate this annual event.
The nine-day festival showcases the art and culture of Mysore in all its splendor as the city comes alive with music, dance and drama festivals, food fairs, flower shows, youth festival, sports meets, exhibition and air show. The electricity department is transforming the city into a fairyland, illuminating the palace, 200 odd heritage buildings and streets with 600,000 bulbs of different colors. To commemorate the 100th year of Mysore and Bangalore, a laser show was prepared.