Mysore: Tens of thousands of people witnessed the spectacular Dasara procession, the grand finale to the nine-day festivities, on a bright sunny day in Mysore today (Oct 23, 2004).

People had lined up the five-km procession route hours before the procession wended its way from the palace complex.

Chief Minister N Dharam Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah showered rose and jasmine petals on the idol of Sri Chamundeshwari, placed in the golden howdah on the elephant Balarama.

The Scion of royal family, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar and Minister Tanveer Sait watched as Dharam Singh offered pooja to Chamundeshwari.

This signalled the commencement of the colourful procession.

About 2,500 folk artistes from various districts of Karnataka, attired in their colourful traditional costumes, and varied form of folk arts, gave an insight into the rich folk tradition of the State.

'Todas', the original tribe from Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu and Tibetan settlers in Karnataka also took part in the procession.

Another attraction was the large number of tableaux. While some had selected themes of contemporary nature like pulse polio drive, mid-day meal scheme and farmers' markets, others represented the cultural wealth of their respective districts.

As in the past, the richly caparisoned Balarama was the cynosure of the spectators, as the elephant majestically walked along the route. The entire show lasted 90 minutes. The Todas' culture troupe were given the first prize of Rs 25,000 by the Dasara celebration committee.