Cauvery, drought dim Dassehra festival

MYSORE: Governor TN Chaturvedi and scion of Mysore royal family Srikantadatta Narasimharaj Wodeyar, MP, flagged off the symbolic Dassehra procession here on Tuesday.
As per tradition, flower petals were showered on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed inside a 750-kg golden howdah atop the majestic Balarama.
With this, it was curtains on the 10-day Dassehra festival which was devoid of its characteristic splendour in the wake of the Cauvery crisis and severe drought.
This year, unlike in the past, Balarama finished off his procession with just one symbolic round in front of the Palace Darbar Hall gallery. The absence of tableaux, march past by various groups, adventure sports and folk troupes made the occasion austere for the audience.
Barring a few dignitaries, there was not much of a crowd to witness the procession. Some of the chairs placed for the VIPs remained vacant.
Earlier, in the absence of Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, it was again the governor who offered the customary pooja to Nandidhwaja in front of the palace north gate.
In his message to the people, Chaturvedi wished that Goddess Chamundeshwari, a symbol of victory of the good over the evil, will give enough strength to the people to surmount the crisis faced by them in the recent days and in restoring peace and tranquillity in society.
``The recent showers have raised hopes among the people affected by drought. This will undoubtedly strengthen the state''s economy and in turn improve people''s condition,'''' he said, appreciating the resilience of the people of Karnataka.
Describing Dassehra which has it own legends weaved around it in the Mahabharata, Ramayana and medieval history and of having its own native aura and uniqueness in Karnataka, the governor praised the Wodeyars of Mysore and Vijaynagar emperors for giving a regal touch to the festival. ``It is this uniqueness that attracts people not only from across the country but also from other countries as well.''''
Ministers Vishwanath, Shivanna and Rani Satish and officials of various departments attended the ceremony.