Mysuru, 10 October

The 417th edition of the 11-day Mysuru Dasara celebration will be inaugurated by Gavisiddeshwara Swami of Gavi Mutt in Koppal atop the Chamundi Hills on Sunday during Dhanur Lagna between 11.50am and 12.13pm. 

Over 200 heads of various faiths are expected to witness the Mysuru Dasara festival launch for the first time in history. The CM will arrive in the city at 10 am and will inaugurate events.   

Kambala is a new addition this year, and it is being conducted amid opposition from a section. 

Chamundi Chief Priest Dr N Shashishekar Dixit said that rituals will begin at the Hill Temple with the performance of Mahanyasa Purvaka Rudrabhishekam, Panchamrutha Abhisheka and other rituals at 4.30 am, following which the ‘Utsava Murti’ (procession idol) will be placed in the silver chariot.

Dixit said the ‘Utsava Murti’ (idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari) was brought from the Chamundi Thotti in the city Palace premises three days ago and pujas are being conducted daily. 

The ‘Utsava Murti’ will be brought to the palace a few hours before the commencement of Jumboo Savari on 21 October and placed on the Golden Howdah, he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner G Laxmikanth Reddy said that over 2,000 seats have been provided atop Chamundi Hills for the inaugural function.