MYSORE: The fort town of Srirangapatna, once the capital of Wadiyars and Tipu Sultan, has come alive with the five-day Dasara that began on September 30. Jnanpith awardee Chandrashekar Kambar inaugurated a two-km long procession from Kirangur Bannimantap to Baburayana Koppal and Sriranganathaswamy Temple by offering floral tributes to presiding deity Chamundeshwari.Dasara elephant Abhimanu led the procession and was accompanied by tuskers Vikram, Harsha, Kanthi and Revathi along with forty folk troupes, scouts and guides and school and college students.The Mandya district administration as part of the Srirangapatna Dasara has illuminated prominent junctions on the Bangalore-Mysore state highway. Historical structures such as the Ranganthaswamy Temple, Fort and government offices, too, have been illuminated for the occasion.People in hordes participated in the Dasara running races and programmes for senior citizens, which included programmes by noted playback and light music singers. A wildlife photography expo and handicrafts and books expo at the Sriranga Vedike, the dais of the Dasara festivities, have also been organised.The organisers have focused on promoting native art and culture with events such as Dasara drama festival, Bharathanatyam festivals, in addition to comedy shows by Dayanand and Prof Krishnegowda.A poets’ meet was held on Monday which elicited participation from various poets; programmes such as ‘dollu kunitha’ and ‘Yakshagana’ enthralled crowds till late night.Wrestling competitions have been organised at Srirangapatna Fort on Tuesday in a bid to revive the glory of the Dasara festivities, as have been the Dasara rural sports at Sriranga Vedike and Sufi Qawwali shows by Hyderabad Amaddvarsi and troupe.Meanwhile, Mandya District in-charge Minister R Ashok said that the government is committed to encouraging local art and culture. He said that they are also keen on promoting tourism in the region. He added that funds will be announced for the Srirangapatna Dasara.
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