Srirangapatna Dasara is off to a grand start

Noted actor-director V. Ravichandran will inaugurate Srirangapatna Dasara in Mandya district on Thursday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The historic Srirangapatna Dasara Mahotsava-2026 got off to a grand start on Thursday as celebrated Kannada film actor-director V. Ravichandran inaugurated the festivities by offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari.

The inauguration was held at Bannimantap near Baburayanakoppal Circle in Kirangur village of Srirangapatna taluk where special rituals marked the start of the celebrations.

Enshrined in a 250 kg wooden howdah, the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari received floral tributes from Agriculture Minister PM Narendraswamy, Mandya District In-charge Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, Local Administration Minister HC Balakrishna, local MLA AB Ramesh Bandisiddegowd, MLA Darshan Didiganitaries.

Deputy Commissioner Kumar and Superintendent of Police Shobharani VJ were among the officials present.

As part of the celebrations, various religious rituals were performed, including the traditional worship of the Shami tree.

The Dasara procession, which includes the tusker Dhananjaya carrying a wooden howdah and accompanied by the elephants Lakshmi and Roopa, passed through the prominent streets of Srirangapatna. Majestic elephants emerged as the main attraction, attracting the attention of spectators lining the route.

The parade featured 62 cultural ensembles and 10 paintings representing the rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions and diversity of Karnataka. Colorful displays and performances added to the festive atmosphere and marked a lively start to the Srirangapatna Dasara celebrations.

Published – 15 Oct 2026 19:28 IST