The Madikeri Dasara festival will begin on October 3, featuring traditional ceremonies and cultural events. Madikeri city municipal commissioner Ramesh, who also serves as the secretary of the Dasara committee, confirmed that the festivities will commence with the procession of ‘karaga,’ a traditional ritual.

Festival Highlights

This year's Dasara festival will showcase four ‘karagas’ associated with the goddesses Kunduru Motte, Kanchi Kalakshi, Dandina Mariyamma, and Kote Mariamma. The ‘karagas’ will start moving through the city after puja rituals are performed at Pampinakere, a popular tourist destination.

Leadership During the Festival

In the absence of an elected body, the Dasara celebrations will be overseen by Kodagu deputy commissioner Venkata Raja, who is currently the administrator of the city municipal council. Due to ongoing legal issues regarding the elections for the president and vice-president of the Madikeri City Municipal Council (CMC), the council currently does not have a president. Prakash Acharya, the working president of the Dasara committee, will represent the public committee during the festival.

Cultural Programs

Cultural programs will kick off on October 4, as noted by cultural committee president HT Anil. These programs will take place at Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri and will run daily until October 12, starting at 6 PM and continuing into the night.

Special events during the festival include
Children Dasara on October 5
Coffee Dasara on October 6 and 7
Women Dasara on October 8
Janapada (folk) Dasara on October 10.
On October 11, Ayudha Puja day, cultural performances by well-known artists will also begin at 6 PM.

The Madikeri Dasara festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of tradition and culture, bringing together the community for this significant event.