Mysuru, Oct 6 : The world famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations are all set to take off here on Thursday in symbolic and traditional manner, without much fanfare due to Covid guidelines in place.
The festival will be inaugurated by former Karnataka Chief Minister and Union Foreign Affairs Minister SM Krishna.
The opening event has been restricted only for 100 persons including VVIPs, elected representatives and mediapersons. Those who are attending the function have already taken Covid test.
The government has allowed 500 people to watch the event live this year, but has made arrangements for others to watch the proceedings online.
The event will be live-streamed on their website and on various digital platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Maysuru Dasara was celebrated for the first time by Raja Wadiyar in Srirangapatna, which was the capital city of Mysuru province, in 1610.
Raja Wadiyar emulated the Vijayanagar rulers in celebrating the Dasara festival.
Mysuru Dasara is associated with the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is another form of Durga worshipped widely in West Bengal and eastern India.
On October 15, the Jumbo Savaari will be held between 1700 hours to 1730 hours and then the same evening at 1636 hours to 1644 hours the Nandi Dhwaja pooja will be performed.
The Savaari is a grand procession where elephants carry idols of deities including Goddess Chamundeshwari, but this year due to Covid, the number of elephants are restricted to eight and the procession will not pass through the main thoroughfares of the streets.
The procession has been restricted to the Palace premises, with only limited people allowed in attendance.(UNI)