Mahisha Dasara held on Mysuru Town Hall premises

MYSURU: The Mahisha Mandalotsava committee on Wednesday organised a Mahisha Dasara event at the Town Hall premises amid strict security by the police. The organisers had earlier sought permission to offer flowers at the Mahishasura statue atop Chamundi Hills, but it was denied.

Prohibitory orders Section 163 was imposed in a 200-metre radius around the Mahishasura statue on Chamundi Hills, from midnight on Wednesday to 6 am on Thursday. Despite the restrictions, devotees were allowed to visit the Chamundi temple for darshan.

Despite opposition, some prominent figures including Jnanaprakasha Swamiji, historian P V Nanjaraja Urs and writer Prof K S Bhagwan took part in the Mahisha Dasara at the Town Hall premises by offering flowers to idols of Lord Buddha, Dr B R Ambedkar and Mahishasura.

Criticizing the government’s handling of the Dasara celebrations and the restrictions on Mahishasura worship, they demanded equal respect for Mahishasura as for Chamundeshwari, citing it as their religious right. They also warned of approaching court to secure their rights.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Bhagwan said, “Ninety seven per cent of us, including Lingayats, Kurubas, Vokkaligas and those who don’t wear the linga, are still slaves. The BJP government is out to impose the Manusmriti as law. The Manusmriti shows Shudras in poor light, so what happens to the condition of women”, he asked.

Jnanaprakash Swami said, “The Dasara celebration is being organised with taxpayers’ money. When they went to Chamundi Hills to inaugurate the Dasara, they could have showered some flowers on the Mahishasura statue. Not even a seminar is being organised on Mahishasura. The government is spending Rs 46 crore for Dasara, and if they give us just Rs 1 crore, we will organise Mahisha Dasara. Equal respect should be given to Goddess Chamundeshwari and Mahishasura”.