Thursday, October 13 2005 15:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mysore: Lakhs of people witnessed the spectacular and world-famous Mysore Dasara procession which came as a grand finale to the 10-day festivities today (Oct 13, 2005).

Chief Minister Dharam Singh inaugurated the function at 12.30 PM by offering 'puja' to the flower-bedecked idol of the deity 'Chamundeshwari', which was placed in a 750 kg golden howdah.

Carrying the howdah, the richly canopied male elephant 'Balarama', flanked on either side by female elephants 'Kokila' and 'Kavita', walked majestically to the specially erected rostrum in front of the palace, where the CM showered flowers on the deity.

After the national anthem was played and a 21-gun salute, the kilometere long procession with 100 contingents participating in it, wound its way through main roads.

The contingent comprised 60 cultural troupes, who displayed their vivid rich programmes, some folk in their manifestation. Band units both in Kannada and English and troupes of traditional 'Nadaswara' also formed part of the grand festival procession.

Twenty tableaux representing different themes vying in artistic distinction, including 'Mahamastabhishekha,' performed once in 12 years at Sravanabelgola, a Jain pilgrim centre, and slated for February next were part of the procession.

Hours before the start of the procession, people of all ages had occupied every inch of the space on the three kms long procession route. Youth perched themselves on trees and housetops along the route.

'Ballarama' conspicuous by his beauty, appeared to enjoy the importance and attention bestowed on him.

An hour before start of the procession, the city experienced showers and a cloudy atmosphere.

Among those who witnessed the procession along with the Chief Minister was his wife, the scion of the royal family Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar and State Ministers.

It took one hour before the last contingent had moved past the palace.