Veteran Actor Srinath Inaugurates Shivamogga Dasara Celebrations

After offering puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari at the Chandika Durga Parameshwari Temple on Kote Street, veteran film actor Srinath inaugurated the Shivamogga Dasara celebrations.

The celebrations began on Sunday (October 11, 2026), with a colourful procession carrying the Chamundeshwari idol from the City Corporation premises to the temple.

Srinath, who had been invited by the Shivamogga City Corporation as the special guest for the inauguration, took part in the procession.

He also danced to the beats of folk artists, while Shivamogga MLA S.N. Channabasappa and others joined him.

Srinath recalls association with Mysuru Dasara

Speaking at the ceremony, Srinath recalled his association with the Mysuru Dasara since his childhood.

He said he was happy to receive the opportunity to inaugurate the Shivamogga Dasara and thanked the officials and elected representatives of the district for inviting him.

“I am fortunate to receive the invitation to inaugurate Dasara in Shivamogga. I received a hearty welcome here and felt blessed to be among people with smiles and happiness,” he said.

The actor’s remarks came after the procession and the puja at the temple, which preceded the formal inauguration of the celebrations.

Celebrations expected to gain significance

Shivamogga Lok Sabha member B.Y. Raghavendra said the Shivamogga Dasara celebrations had been gaining significance over the years.

He said the festival would soon be on a par with the celebrations held in Mysuru and Madikeri.

Raghavendra also hoped Goddess Chamundeshwari would bless the people with good rainfall and relieve farmers of the impact of drought.

His comments linked the festival’s growing public significance with hopes for relief for farmers affected by drought.

14 committees formed for arrangements

S.N. Channabasappa, who presided over the ceremony, said the City Corporation had made all necessary arrangements for the celebrations.

He said the corporation had formed 14 committees to oversee the event.

The State government would provide ₹50 lakh for the celebrations, Channabasappa said.

“We are holding events catering to different sections of society. Ranga Dasara, Makkala Dasara and Cine Dasara will have special attractions,” he said.

The MLA also said the corporation offered a new piece of jewellery to the Chamundeshwari idol every year.

The corporation had planned to have a golden face made for the idol, but changed the plan after learning that the work would take two months.

“As we learnt that the work would take two months, we decided to offer golden bangles to the goddess,” he said.

Corporation Commissioner Mayanna Gowda and others were present at the ceremony.

Source: The Hindu