{
  "id": 13783213,
  "title": "11-day Mysuru Dasara festivities begin with a traditional start",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/11-day-mysuru-dasara-festivities-begin-with-a-traditional-start",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T19:19:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/11-day-mysuru-dasara-festivities-begin-with-a-traditional-start/article71571301.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 11-day Mysuru Dasara festival commenced on Sunday with a traditional ceremony atop Chamundi Hills, led by Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swami of Gavimutt, Koppal. The religious leader illuminated the traditional lamp and showered flowers upon the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, displayed within a silver chariot adorned with flowers. This opening marked the start of a range of Dasara events, including a flower show, city-wide illumination, a sports meet, cultural programs, a food festival, a book fair, and traditional wrestling bouts. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar joined other dignitaries in the inauguration, signaling the beginning of a celebration of Mysuru's cultural heritage and royal traditions. For the first time, more than 200 religious leaders participated in the ceremony. The seer, in his address, noted that Dasara, once a royal festival, has transformed into a people's celebration of the land. He expressed his humility in participating and prayed for good rains, a good harvest, and the happiness of the people. Describing the festival as a convergence of the past, present, and future, he advocated for societal values and ethics over caste. He recalled Mysuru's royal family's role in regional development and emphasized agriculture's importance, stressing the need for conservation of natural resources like rivers. He urged protection of Cauvery, Krishna, and Tungabhadra rivers, stating, \"We cannot import water.\" He also praised educationist Harekal Hajabba's contribution to building a school and urged people to support local school development. He concluded by stating that if all 6 crore Karnataka residents pledge to work for development, it would translate to 6 crore positive steps.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}