Madikeri, September 30, 2013: Madikeri Dasara Samiti members offered prayers at three temples in the district on Saturday praying for the successful conduct of the event set to begin from October 5.

Led by K.M. Ganesh, president of the samiti, the members prayed at the Sri Vijaya Vinayaka temple and Sri Omkareshwara temple, both in Madikeri city, and at the Sri Padi Igguthappa temple, near Kakkabe in Madikeri taluk, a press release said.

The main concern of the members was rains during the festivities since it had played spoilsport on many Dasara occasions in the past, Mr. Ganesh said. The purpose of the puja was also to spare the festival from rains and also attract more visitors to the city.

Mr. Ganesh said more than 300 cultural programmes would be organised in Madikeri from October 5 to14 as part of Dasara festivities.

The State government had earlier agreed to grant Rs. 50 lakh, but it could go up to Rs. 75 lakh following an appeal by the samiti.

He sought the cooperation of people, social organisations, elected representatives to organise the Dasara festival in a grand and smooth manner.

Source: The Hindu, September 30, 2013