Madikeri Dasara enthrals locals, tourists

MADIKERI: The people of Madikeri witnessed Dasara festival which was celebrated from Wednesday evening till the wee hours of Thursday.
Under the supervision of SP Aiyappa M A, 3 DSPs, 10 circle inspectors, and 22 SIs were posted to extend security cover. This apart, four KSRP units, eight DAR units were also deputed.
As many as 88 CCTVs were put up at vantage points in the city. Barring pass holders, no other vehicle was allowed into Madikeri city after 2pm. Outstation vehicles were made to park on the city's outskirts at pre-identified places.
Ten mantaps from as many temples, which carried installations showing gods killing demons, enthralled the gathering. A large number of people had gathered to witness special shows of mythical stories around midnight. Cultural programmes were also held on a special platform at Gandhi Maidan throughout the night.
Many tourists had dropped in on Monday and Tuesday to witness the Madikeri Dasara procession. Ayudha puja was performed in a colourful way throughout the district on Tuesday. Various cultural programmes, organised by Madikeri Dasara committee, marked the festival. Sunticoppa residents witnessed attractive Ayudha puja celebration, which has a historical background.
Grand celebrations were seen at Gonicoppal, Somwarpet, and Murnad too.
Meanwhile, Gonikoppal Dasara was celebrated with a procession of 10 tableaux during daytime. MLA K G Bopaiah and Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Mahesh Joshi inaugurated the grand procession.