Mysuru Dasara gets off to a glorious start

Mysuru: The ten-day Dasara cultural feast popularly known as ‘Naada Habba’ took off on a grand note here on Sunday with noted literateur S.L. Bhyrappa inaugurating the event by offering a floral tribute to the idol of Goddess Chamundeswari atop Chamundi hills in the presence of CM Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa.

Mr Bhyrappa in his speech touched on various issues ranging from belief in God, women’s equality and  women’s entry into Sabarimala to separate religion status for Veerashaiva- Lingayat communities, Basavanna’s concept of a casteless society and conservation of Chamundi hills as a pilgrimage centre.

He said, “When I was invited to inaugurate Dasara, I was questioned by a few who wondered how being a litterateur, I could accept the invitation. Some people think that litterateurs are rational thinkers and  do not believe in God. But I am not such a literateur or  an atheist. I used to climb Chamundi hills once in a week when I was a student in Mysuru. And I have taken all my three grandchildren before they completed three months to the temple and have sought the blessings of Goddess Chamundeswari,” he said.

Referring to the Sabarimala controversy, he said,  “Also except children below 10 years and women above 50  can enter Sabarimala. Following the Supreme Court judgement, the Communist led government in Kerala supported a few women who tried to enter the shrine. I feel the government should not have intervened in such matters pertaining to one’s beliefs.”

Continuing in the same vein, he said,  “A few literateurs intervened when there was a demand for  religion status for Veerashaiva and Lingayat communities. Litterateurs must not get involved in such issues, they should write what they feel,” he said.