CURTAIN DRAWN TO COLOURFUL DASARA;

Madikeri October 22, 2007

Dasara at Kodagu ended with splashing lights, music and brightly lit tabloids.

Night turned into day at Gonicoppal and Madikeri with the towns decorated colourfully. Thousands of people from all over had assembled at Madikeri, daring cold and rain to witness the second only to Mysore Dasara procession which runs in the main streets.

Ten tabloids depicting killing of demons by Goddess Durga was the main attraction of the festival, followed by Karaga and other performances by cultural groups. Orchestra through out the night kept the crowd engaged throughout the night which went on till Sunrise.

Director of Kannada and Culture Vittala Murthy inaugurated the cultural programmes yesterday night. Chidvilas and team enthralled the audience with their light music. Classical and cultural dances attracted the audience. Deputy Commissioner Niranjan and Superintendent of police Trilokchandra were present.

MLA K.G.Boapaih and other office bearers of the dasara Committee distributed prizes to shops, offices and other buildings winning prizes in decorating their units. Bopaiah spoke on the occasion said that dasara in Kodagu has a historical background dating back to the rule by Kings.

Tabloid depicting the Kumba Nishumba Samhara by Dandina Mariamma won the first prize. Kote Maha Ganapathy Tabloid received the second prize, Kundurumotte Chowti Mariamma and Kote Mariamma temples shared third prizes. Temple committee members danced in frenzy as the prizes were announced.

Heavy rainfall at midnight played spoil sports as Lighting and assembling tabloids got disturbed.