The Madikeri Dasara began with the traditional Karagotsava, marking the prelude to the 11-day-long celebrations.
On Monday evening, at the Pampina Kere premises, the karagas of the city’s four guardian deities – Kote Mariyamma, KundurumotteChowti Mariyamma, Dandina Mariyamma, and Kanchi-Kamakshamma – were carried by karagadharis in a procession through the streets. Devotees gathered on either side to witness the event.
District Minister N.S. Boseraju inaugurated the programme. The four karagadharis carrying the karagas set out in a procession accompanied by traditional musical instruments. From September 23 to October 2, various cultural programmes will be held at Gandhi Maidan. On October 2, the grand procession of decorated dashamantapas will take place. In Gonikoppa, the commercial hub of South Kodagu, the Dasara Janotsava began on Monday morning with the consecration of Goddess Chamundeshwari’s idol.
