The spectacular procession that attracted hundreds of people marked the conclusion of the 10-day Shivamogga Dasara on Tuesday. Though the silver howdah with the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari, was carried in a specially decorated vehicle, instead of an elephant, the residents of the city gathered in huge numbers.
As part of the tradition, the procession began at Shivappa Nayaka Palace on Kote Road and passed through Ramannna Shreshthi Park, Shivappa Nayaka Circle, Amir Ahmed Circle, and Durgi Gudi before reaching Freedom Park. Elected representatives, including Lok Sabha member B.Y. Raghavendra, MLA S.N. Channabasappa, Shivamogga Mayor S. Shivakumar, and officers, including Deputy Commissioner R. Selvamani, offered respects to the goddess at Seetharamanjuneya Temple.
The idols of local deities were part of the procession. Performances by folk troupes enthralled the gathering. Members of the corporation walked along with the procession.
As part of the finale, Ravana Dahan, a ritual of burning an effigy of Ravan was also held. With the procession and the religious Banni Pooja at Freedom Park, the 10-day-long celebrations came to an end. The city corporation conducted many literary and cultural events in the last 10 days. The events included theatre shows, music, seminars, and exhibitions.
The city corporation had sought ₹1.5 crore from the State government for the Dasara celebrations. However, it is said, the government offered only ₹20 lakh. Leaders of the BJP and JD(S) in Shivamogga criticised the State government for not releasing enough funds for the event. Many streets of the city were decorated with special lights for the occasion.
