President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 10-day long Dasara festivities in Mysuru.
Celebrated as ”Nada Habba” the festivities this year will depict Karnataka’s rich culture & traditions, coupled with reminiscence of royal pomp & glory.
Murmu inaugurated the festivities during the “Vrushchika Lagna” by showering flowers on the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari amid chanting of vadic hymns, at the premises of Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hills.
She was accompanied by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi & Shobha Karandlaje & several Ministers in the state cabinet among others at the inaugural.
Murmu, who is the first President to take part in Mysuru Dasara, also visited the Chamundeshwari temple and offered prayers to the goddess, who is referred to as the “Naada Devate” (state deity), ahead of the inaugural.
This is also her first visit to any state as the President of India