Mysore : 10-day Celebrations of Dasara Begins at Chamundi Hill
Mysore, Sept. 19 (SOM) : The heritage city today began the 10-day celebrations of Dasara in a grand manner.
Sri Sri Ravishankar Guruji of Art of Living inaugurated the festivities in a colourful ceremony atop Chamundi Hill this morning after offering special puja to Goddess Chamundeswari, the presiding diety of Mysore.
Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, some of his Cabinet colleagues, legislators, prominent citizens, residents of Hill village, top officials as well as disciples were present.
Sri Sri Ravishankar Guruji inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the traditional lamp and began his inaugural speech reciting a Kannada poem on Goddess Chamundeswari.
The Guruji said that Dasara, being held since thousands of years, was a symbol of happiness and prosperity.
He complimented District in-charge Minister Shobha Karandlaje for introducing "Grameena Dasara" enabling each and every village in the district to participate in Dasara.
The Guruji further said that we can face any problem in life, if we have courage.
The Guruji said that Indian culture was the best in the world. "Offering puja to Goddess Chamundeswari during the first three days of Dasara festival, we can get courage and resolve to do good deeds in life."
He observed that the entire world should come to Mysore to view Dasara.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yeddyurappa claimed that Dasara festivities were getting wider publicity in India and abroad ever since his government came to power.
He was happy that this year's Dasara coincided with the 500th year celebration of Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya's coronation.