Cultural programmes add colour to Dasara fervour

The cultural programmes on account of Madikeri Dasara Janotsava was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Richard Vincent D’Souza on Monday evening.

The cultural programmes will be held for 9 days. The DC said Madikeri Dasara is also known across the country. “The speciality of Navarathri Utsav is that development should be carried forward overcoming all evil forces. In spite of having all the facilities, people lack peace of mind. There is lack of unity. All of us should strive for peace and harmony in society through unity,” he added.

“In the era of internet, we have forgotten our own rich cultural legacy. The festivals help in preserving the culture and tradition of the land,” he felt.

CMC Vice President T S Prakash said there is a need to create awareness on Karaga of Shakthi Devathas which are taken out a procession in the city on all the nine days of Dasara.

A team of Natya Mayuri Nritya School presented a variety of cultural programmes. Green Mountain College team presented a variety of dance and Karagata. Dance by Bhairavi troupe from Bengaluru enthralled the audience.

Empty chairs
Though cultural programmes unraveled a 'cultural world,'  the lack of audience dampened the spirit of the artistes.

Expecting a huge gathering, the cultural programmes were inaugurated late. However, empty chairs welcomed the artistes.

Sports meet in Madikeri
The district-level Dasara sports meet, to be organised as part of Dasara Janotsava, would be inaugurated on October 5.

Briefing mediapersons, Dasara Sports Committee President M D Sada Muddappa said Additional Deputy Commissioner M Sathish Kumar would flag off a marathon at General Thimmaiah Stadium. The district-level men’s Kabaddi will be held on October 8. National Hockey player Nudumanda Nisha Nanjappa would be inaugurated on October 6, he added. The marathon competitions would be held in six categories --- first standard to third standard students (1-km), fourth and fifth standard students (1.5-km), sixth and seventh standard students(2-km), eighth to 10th standard students(5-km), men (10-km) and for women (5-km).

On October 6, competitions like throwball for women, football (five players in each team), for men, 100 metre race for senior citizens would be held in addition to slow motor cycle race, race and shotput for journalists and CMC members. For details, contact 9448325904.