Udupi Pejawar mutt seer Vishvesha Theertha performed the “mangalarathi” to the panchaloha idol of the goddess placed in a flower-bedecked chariot as a customary ritual.
He was joined by Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, wife Datty, Medical Education and District in-charge Minister S A Ramdas, Mayor Pushpalatha Chikkanna and other dignitaries.
The seer said corrupt officers were obstructing most of the programmes devised for the welfare of the people. He described corruption, harassment and oppression as ‘adhunika mahishasura’ (modern demon).
Unveiling his dream of a Kannada Nadu, the seer said: “My dream of a Kannada Nadu is to ensure equal importance to agriculture and industries, without snatching fertile lands from farmers. That apart, dalits should not be subjected to atrocities and equal rights should be ensured for both the upper and lower castes.”
Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda said festivals like Dasara should be celebrated across the State for the cultural bonding of the regions.
With the inauguration of the festivities, wrestling, tourist information kiosks, cultural programmes at different venues were also kicked off.
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