The stage is set for the inauguration of the 10-day Dasara festivities on Saturday, with authorities racing against time to meet the deadlines.
There was feverish activity at various venues which are expected to be packed from Day 1 of the festivities, including Chamundeshwari temple where the idol of the Goddess is being spruced up and polished by temple priests. The temple premises are being decorated with flowers and the silver chariot is being readied for the inauguration.
Jnanpith awardee Chandrashekar Kambar will inaugurate Dasara in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Chamundi Hills at 10.44 a.m., while the cultural programmes on the palace premises will be inaugurated at 6 p.m.
The Scouts and Guides Ground behind the Deputy Commissioner’s office was agog with activity, being the venue for the Dasara Food Festival and is expected to be a hit with the public.
Over 80 stalls and a dedicated ‘Chaat Street’ will be set up. The Dasara sports meet will start at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium, while the Dasara Film Festival will see the presence of stars from the Kannada film industry at Kalamandira
Flower show at Curzon Park and wrestling contests are other major features while the Dasara exhibition will also be inaugurated on Saturday.