Kote Mariyamma Temple’s tableau was adjudged the third best in the Dasara rally in Madikeri on Monday.

Madikeri, October 16, 2013: A procession of 10 colourful tableaux from as many temples marked the conclusion of Dasara celebrations in Madikeri on Tuesday. The procession of the tableaux — depicting gods and goddesses slaying the demons to symbolise the victory of good over evil — started on Monday night and went on till the early hours of Tuesday.

Thousands, including a large number of visitors, lined up on the either side of the main streets of the city — where the tableaux passed — to get a glimpse of the Madikeri Dasara under a cloudy, yet rain-free night. The city was decked up like a bride even as the people hopped on from one location to another where the ‘Dasha Mantaps’ (10 tableaux) were being put together before they assembled around midnight and started the magnificent march towards the Bannimantap.

The galleries constructed in front of Town Hall and the Town Police Station were packed with crowd waiting to see the bedecked mantaps pass by. Roadside eateries on Mahatma Gandhi Road (Raja Seat Road) and Major Muthanna Circle near the Madikeri City Municipal Council (CMC) office were thronged by night revellers.

Cultural shows

The Kala Sambhrama Vedike at Gandhi Maidan this year paved way for folk artistes to come up with an array of shows. As many as 11 different troupes and 262 artistes from 16 districts performed on the occasion, unfolding the cultural diversity of the State. The performances included ‘Veeragase’, ‘Kamsale’, ‘Mysooru Nagari’. ‘Kolara Tamate’, ‘Halage Vadana.

‘Charma Vadya’ by Drums India Group and Roller Skating dance by the members of the Kodagu District Roller Skating Association, stole the show. The Department of Information had organised a laser show heralding the history of the State. The illuminated city merged with the spectacular display of lights emanating from the mantaps to pierce the darkness. All 10 mantaps reached the Bannimantap Tuesday morning to offer puja and return to the respective temples later.

Entry of all vehicles into Madikeri city were stopped by the police at 4 p.m. on Monday. Parking arrangements were made at different locations to prevent congestion in the city. Kodagu Superintendent of Police, M.N. Anucheth, said the entire event was incident-free.

Source: The Hindu, October 16, 2013