Foreign Dignitaries Attend Mysuru Dasara Celebrations
Among those welcomed were European Union Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong, Ecuador's Ambassador to India Fernando Bucheli, Mozambique High Commissioner Armando Pedro, Bulgarian Ambassador Nikolay Yankov and British Deputy High Commissioner Harshbir Sangha
Mysuru: Several foreign dignitaries arrived in the city of palaces on Wednesday to attend the world-famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations, as the spectacular 'Jamboo Savari' procession got underway on Vijayadashami, marking the grand finale of the 11-day festivities.
Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi welcomed the dignitaries, his office said in a statement.
Among those welcomed were European Union Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong, Ecuador's Ambassador to India Fernando Bucheli, Mozambique High Commissioner Armando Pedro, Bulgarian Ambassador Nikolay Yankov and British Deputy High Commissioner Harshbir Sangha, the statement said.
Danish Consul General Peter Winther, Israeli Consul General Orli Weitzman, the Australian Consul General and Marat Melikyan, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, also attended.
During the interaction, Rayareddi briefed the visitors on Karnataka's history, culture, traditions and customs, the legacy of the Mysuru royal family and the significance of the festival, it said.
He explained how the celebrations had evolved, the people's devotion to the presiding deity, Goddess Chamundeshwari, the preparations made for the festival, the significance of the golden howdah procession and the distinctive features of the festivities.
The minister gave an overview of the cultural and historical importance of the annual event, which showcases Karnataka's heritage and traditions, the statement said.