Mysuru: Mysuru Dasara created history of sorts on Wednesday as Karnataka’s flagship festival took on a pan-India flavour, with chief ministers from two states attending the celebrations and tableaux from 10 Union govt departments and agencies, including the three armed forces.While the Dasara procession traditionally showcases Karnataka’s art, culture, heritage and achievements, chief minister DK Shivakumar sought to broaden its appeal as a pan-Indian event.In a first, Kerala chief minister VD Satheesan and Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy witnessed the procession and joined Shivakumar in offering floral tributes to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah carried by Dasara elephant Prashantha, who debuted as the howdah elephant with panache.Kannada film personalities, including V Ravichandran, and sportspersons such as Anil Kumble joined the procession aboard an open double-decker bus from Mysuru Palace. The procession began around 1.40pm after Shivakumar offered puja to Nandhi Dhwaja at the palace’s Balarama Gate. Nearly two hours later, caparisoned Prashantha, flanked by kumki elephants Roopa and Cauvery, took centre stage as dignitaries offered floral tributes to the Goddess.Among those present were Mysuru royal family scion Yaduveer Wadiyar, Mysuru district minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Kannada and culture minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, chief secretary Shalini Rajaneesh, DC Lakshmikanth Reddy and police commissioner Seema Latkar. Shivakumar’s wife Usha was also present.The procession featured 107 tableaux and art forms representing govt departments, public institutions, districts, states and communities, highlighting cultural traditions from Karnataka and other parts of India.Traditional performances added colour and rhythm. Kerala’s Singari Melam, Tamil Nadu’s Iraya Nadanam, Bengal’s Jhamar folk performance and Manipuri Rasaleela showcased the country’s cultural diversity.A tableau representing the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe highlighted the community’s cultural and spiritual heritage. According to Shivakumar, ambassadors from 13 countries witnessed the procession from Mysuru Palace.Shivakumar also thanked youngsters for creating and sharing reels of Dasara celebrations online, saying they had helped take the festival beyond India’s borders.
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