Mysuru, 28 Sept 

City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar on Saturday imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Mysuru, including the Chamundi Hills area, due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Mahisha Dasara celebrations. The orders came into effect from midnight on 28 September till 6am on 30 September.

Public rallies and processions are restricted within the city following the orders. However, the Mahisha Dasara celebration committee has been allowed to hold the Mahisha Mandala Utsav at Town Hall and to offer floral tributes to the statue of Mahishasura. The orders do not apply to students and candidates appearing for various competitive and other exams.

The police department had earlier rejected a request from Dalit organisations seeking permission for celebration atop Chamundi Hills.

Right-wing groups claim that Mahisha was a demon king who was slain by Goddess Chamundeshwari. However, progressive thinkers argue that Mahisha was a beloved king, and that the city of Mysuru was named after him. Supporters of Mahisha Dasara assert that portraying Mahisha as a demon king is a myth and a distortion propagated by vested interests.

Mysuru Dasara will take place from 3-12 October this year. -Salar News