Mysore, Oct 16 (PTI) : Religious fervour marked the beginning of annual Dussehra festivities in this city of palaces Tuesday, Oct 16.

Bijapur-based Jnana Yogashrama pontiff Siddeshwara Swamiji performed pooja to the Mysore royal family's presiding deity Chamundeswari atop the Chamundeswari Hillock in the presence of Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and other dignitaries.

The Chamundeswari temple and main buildings across the city have been decorated with festoons and colourful lights.

Folklore artists performance added glitter to the Dussehra festival inauguration and regaled the gathering.

At the palace, scion of the Mysore royal family, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar held a "private durbar" ascending the golden throne and also commenced the Navaratri poojas.
Speaking on the occasion, CM said following the blessings of goddess Chamundeswari the city has been experiencing rains.

He explained to the people that his government had to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu to comply with the Supreme Court order, but has already informed the court that it was not in a position to release water from October 8.

Shettar also announced allocation of Rs 25 crore for renovation of century-old Mysore palace.

Minister for Kannada and Culture Govind Karjol, Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka, Minister for Medical Education A Ramdas and others witnessed the inauguration of festivities.