Actor Srinath opens Dasara celebrations in Shivamogga

Dasara celebrations began in the Indian city of Shivamogga on October 11. Actor Srinath, invited as the city administration's special guest, joined a procession and opened the festivities after prayers at a temple.

Participants carried the Chamundeshwari idol from the City Corporation premises to the Chandika Durga Parameshwari Temple on Kote Street. Srinath joined folk performers and danced with them. State legislator S.N. Channabasappa also took part in the procession.

At the ceremony, the actor recalled attending Mysuru Dasara since childhood and thanked organisers for inviting him to Shivamogga. Channabasappa said the corporation had formed 14 committees to prepare and oversee the celebrations.

The legislator said the state government would provide 50 lakh rupees, equivalent to 5 million rupees, for the event. The programme includes theatre, children's and cinema events under Ranga Dasara, Makkala Dasara and Cine Dasara. Organisers chose to offer golden bangles for the goddess instead of a planned golden face, after learning that making the face would take two months.