Kannada Star V. Ravichandran Launches Srirangapatna Dasara with Grand Rituals

Kannada film star V. Ravichandran opened the Srirangapatna Dasara Mahotsava‑2026 with a ceremonial offering to Goddess Chamundeshwari. The event was staged at Bannimantap close to Baburayanakoppal Circle in the village of Kirangur, Srirangapatna taluk. The deity’s idol sat in a wooden howdah weighing about 250 kg and received flower garlands from Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendraswamy, district‑in‑charge Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, Municipal Administration Minister H.C. Balakrishna, local MLA A.B. Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, MLA Darshan Puttannaiah, MLC Dinesh Gooligowda and several other dignitaries. Deputy Commissioner Kumar and Superintendent of Police Shobharani V.J. were also on the dais. Traditional rites included worship of the Shami tree, marking the start of the celebrations. A procession followed, led by the tusker Dhananjaya that carried the wooden howdah, accompanied by the elephants Lakshmi and Roopa. The parade moved through the main streets of Srirangapatna, drawing crowds that lined the route. In total, 62 cultural groups and 10 decorative tableaux displayed Karnataka’s artistic legacy and regional diversity, adding colour and music to the festive mood. ## Context The Dasara festival in Srirangapatna is a historic event that blends religious worship with cultural showcases, reflecting the state’s long‑standing tradition of celebrating the triumph of good over evil.