Mysuru: A procession of bullock carts accompanied by folk and cultural troupes marked the inauguration of the three-day Raitha Dasara this morning.

Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendraswamy flagged off the procession by driving a bullock cart at Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple near the Palace North Gate.

The procession passed through Albert Victor Road, K.R. Circle, D. Devaraj Urs Road and Dewans Road before culminating at J.K. Grounds near the City Railway Station, where the three-day event is being held.

Besides nearly a dozen bullock carts, the procession featured three tableaux. One showcased Nanjangud Rasabale variety bananas, Mysuru Veelyadele (betel leaves) and Mysuru Mallige (jasmine), highlighting the three agricultural products from Mysuru district that have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags.

The other two tableaux carried messages on various crops and farming practices.

The procession also featured modern agricultural machinery, tractors and other farm equipment. Women farmers, Tibetan women in traditional attire and members of Mysuru’s Kodagu Gowda Samaja, dressed in traditional Kodava attire, took part.

The three-day Raitha Dasara at J.K. Grounds features several cattle and livestock breeds, including Hallikar cows, the small-sized Punganur breed, Kangayam bulls, Murrah and Jafarabadi buffaloes, Tharparkar cattle, Sahiwal dairy cattle, Dorper sheep and Boer goats.

Another attraction is the Fisheries Expo and Aquarium Gallery organised by Fisheries Department of Mysuru ZP. The stall houses 48 aquariums displaying more than 120 species of fish, including rare varieties.