Pics: Nayana J C
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Oct 15: Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said that coastal Karnataka’s traditional sport Kambala and a tableau representing Tulu Nadu would be part of this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations, highlighting the state government’s efforts to showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Shivakumar arrived in Mangaluru on Thursday to undertake a tour of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Mangaluru International Airport upon his arrival. Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister U T Khader and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Speaking to the media at the airport, Shivakumar said the state’s cultural traditions and regional identities were being given prominence during the grand Dasara celebrations in Mysuru.
Recalling the invitations he had received over the years to visit Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple during Dasara, Shivakumar said former union minister Janardhana Poojary had been inviting him to the celebrations for several years. He added that he had visited the temple during the festival last year.
He said the Navaratri celebrations were being organised on a grand scale, bringing together different societies and communities while reflecting Karnataka’s rich cultural traditions and spiritual heritage.
Mysuru Dasara to showcase Tulu Nadu’s culture
Describing Dasara as Karnataka’s state festival, Shivakumar said the government was organising the celebrations in Mysuru with several new initiatives. The Vijayadashami programme is scheduled for October 21, with representatives from Tulu Nadu also expected to participate.
He said teams from the armed forces would take part in the ceremonial march-past, while a new elephant would carry the golden howdah of Goddess Chamundeshwari during the procession.
Shivakumar recalled his earlier announcement that Kambala would be taken to Mysuru as part of the celebrations. Referring to historical accounts of buffaloes being brought during Dasara festivities in the Vijayanagara period, he said the inclusion of Kambala would help showcase the region’s traditional heritage.
“Dasara is your festival and the festival of the state,” he said, emphasising the importance of celebrating Karnataka’s diverse cultural traditions.
Petition filed in Supreme Court over SIR data
Commenting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Shivakumar said a petition had been filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday regarding SIR data.
He stressed that the right to vote was fundamental to democratic participation and said the fight to protect voters’ rights would continue.
Responding to the controversy surrounding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asking him to travel in a vehicle during a protest march, Shivakumar said some media outlets and BJP leaders had portrayed the incident as an insult.
He rejected the allegations, stating that Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had played key roles in making him the chief minister of Karnataka.
Shivakumar said the Congress leadership was working together to safeguard voters’ rights in the state and accused BJP leaders of attempting to gain political mileage by misrepresenting the incident.
He described Rahul Gandhi as a leader with a strong sense of humanity and urged political leaders not to exploit minor incidents for political gain.
When asked about the arrest in connection with the sting operation, Shivakumar said he had no information about the matter.