By Team Mangalorean

Mysore, October 21, 2007: The world famous Dasara Procession of Mysore was today solemnized with over 5 lakh people coming from all parts of the state and some from outside states and few from other countries also. The people made a beeline from right from the main gate (Balarama gate) to the Bannimantap which is a six kilometer stretch to watch the splendid procession.

The Giant pachyderm Balarama which stands a full 18 feet tall, caparisoned and decorated carried the Golden Howdah and the golden idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari which led the procession. 16 other elephants also decorated and caparisoned accompanied the Howda bearing Balarama. Horse back royal guards, camel troupe, gun carriers, the palace guards, the elite personal guards of the erstwhile royal family and the Karnataka state police were among the procession in different contingents. Dance troupers arriving from all parts of the state were the part of the cultural group. Somana Kunitha,Yakshagana, Dollu kunitha, Nandi Dhwaja, Veeragasae, the tribal dance troupes from the hilly side of the state and 70 other dance troupes had lined up for performance throughout the route of the procession.

Governor Rameshwar Thakur flagged off the Dasara procession by offering flowers to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari  placed inside the golden howdah, which was carried on the back of caparisoned pattada elephant Balarama. The ceremonies began at 2 p.m. A choice audience of 6,500 persons that included VIPs, invitees, gold card and ticket holders watched the proceedings of "Jamboo Savari" sitting inside the palace premises.

The Governor offere  puja to "Nandi Dwaja" 1.50 p.m. at the Balarama Gate of the palace which is a traditional salute offered to the Goddess Chamundeshwari. 80 cultural troupes from all over the State and 26 tableaux from almost all the districts participated in the procession. The Gujrathi legislative team had been given a special place among the vip audience. More than 2,000 VIPs and an equal number of special guests that included political leaders, cine artistes, intellectuals, high officials, artistes, cultural persons and many more watched the procession.

This is first time in recent years that the procession will be flagged off by a Governor.

Traditionally, the head of the State - the Chief Minister - inaugurates the procession. But, with the imposition of President’s Rule in the State, the Governor, in the capacity of the head of the State, will do the honors.

The Governor also flagged off the torchlight parade at Bannimantap grounds 6 kilometers away from the city. With the torch light parade the Dasara festivities came to an end. The Chandana channel of Doordarshan is broadcasting the procession and torchlight parade live to facilitate those who cannot make it to the event in Mysore.