Heavy music, youth dancing to the tunes of the music, Dashamantapas depicting mythological themes, bhajan, dance, and Kodava traditional music along with a large number of spectators were the highlight of Dasara Shobhayatre which continued till the early hours of Saturday.
After the landslides and flood that ravaged the district in August, organisers of Dasara in Maikeri and Gonikoppa were doubtful of the celebrations.
However, with the efforts of the committees, Dasara was celebrated in a simple manner at Madikeri and Gonikoppa.
Cultural programmes were held in Gonikoppa for few days while in Madikeri, cultural programmes was restricted to Vijayadashami day.
The welcome dance by Kings of Coorg, a bhajan by Ramanjaneya Bhajana Mandali, Kodava dance by Kanoorina Sullimada Gowramma and team, a dance ballet reflecting the culture of Arebhashe language speaking people by Kudekal Santhosh, Kodava dance by Kanoorina Gejjetanda, Ganasude by Samveditha, folk dance by Gandharva in Somwarpet, and Thiruvathira by Malayali Sangha unfolded the cultural diversity of the state.
This year, prizes were not announced for the Dashamantapas (10 tableaux).
Each mantapa was given a sum of Rs 2 lakh. A few mantapas had also given priority to simplicity.
A large number of visitors lined up on the either side of the main streets of the town where the tableaux passed to get a glimpse of the Madikeri Dasara.
Compared to previous years, the number of visitors were less. All the tableaux were disciplined in their performance.
The visitors who had come to take part in Shobhayatre were tired of searching for wine shops as the district administration had prohibited the sale of liquor in a 10-km radius of the town.
A few miscreants who were creating public nuisance before the commencement of the procession of tableaux had to face lathis.
‘Rebuild Kodagu’
Deputy Commissioner P I Sreevidya called upon the people to join hands with the district administration in rebuilding Kodagu district.
Speaking after flagging of cultural programmes organised by Dasara Samithi and the Kannada and Culture Department on Friday, she said, “Dasara was celebrated traditionally in a simple manner.”
SP Suman D Pennekar said, “Dasara represents victory against evil forces. Similarly, we have to keep away bad forces and work towards leading a peaceful life.”
Dasara Samithi President Kaveramma Somanna said, “In the backdrop of the natural calamity, a few programmes were cancelled during Dasara celebrations. Let us pray for the Shakthi Devathas to protect the district in the coming days.”