Shivamogga: Preparations are in full swing for the grand 11-day Shivamogga Dasara festival, organised under the leadership of the Shivamogga City Corporation. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, MLA and chairman of the 14 Dasara Committees, SN Channabasappa, announced that leaders and officials cutting across party lines are working in unity to ensure a grand and successful celebration for the city.A major highlight of this year’s festivities will be the decoration of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Departing from the traditional silver idol placement, the Goddess will ascend the Ambari (howdah) wearing a specially crafted golden mask. The deity will also be decorated with new gold-plated bangles, earrings, necklaces and other sacred ornaments prepared by the SCC.To lead the grand ceremonial procession on Oct 11—moving from the City Corporation premises to the Kote Chandika Durgaparameshwari Temple—three elephants named Bahaddur, Somanna and Sagar have been deployed from the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp.SCC commissioner Mayanna Gowda said a total budget allocation of Rs 2.1 crore for the festivities has been approved, which includes Rs 50 lakh from the state govt and Rs 1.6 crore from municipal funds. District minister Madhu Bangarappa is trying to get additional funds to relieve financial pressure on the municipality, he stated.The 11-day schedule features a wide array of sub-events, including women’s, children’s, cultural, yuva and Ranga Dasara. The official festival inauguration will take place on Oct 11 at 10.30am with veteran actor Srinath as the chief guest. Senior actress Padma Vasanthi will attend Cultural Dasara on Oct 18, while star actor V Ravichandran will launch Yuva Dasara on Oct 20. Dedicated teams of 10 to 15 civic workers have also been deployed across key event locations to ensure complete cleanliness and sanitation throughout the festival.
