Mysore/Mysuru: The 9-day ‘Navarathri Rangotsava,’ a theatre festival organised by the city’s theatre repertory Rangayana marking Dasara festivities, began at Bhoomigeeta in Rangayana premises on Hunsur Road here yesterday.

Speaking after inaugurating the Rangotsava, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi said that Dasara is a nine-day festival which is celebrated across the State in a  meaningful manner.

Pointing out that Mysuru Dasara is a tradition with several outstanding specialties, he said that the Kannada and Culture Department has organised the event through Rangayana to make the event a more purposeful one.

Hunsur-based veteran theatre personality A. Narayana Rai was conferred the prestigious ‘Rangagourava’ award on the occasion, in consideration of his decades of service to the field of Theatre.

Minister Tangadagi also inaugurated a Photographic and Poster Expo concerning theatre activities.

On the inaugural day on Sunday, noted writer P. Lankesh’s play ‘Muttisikondavanu’ was staged to a full house.

Kannada and Culture Department Secretary N. Manjula, Director Dharanidevi Malagatti, Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Rangayana Deputy Director Nirmala Mathapathi, the Minister’s Personal Secretary Madhusudhan Reddy and others were present.

Plays will be staged every day at 6.30 pm till Oct. 23.

Doll show, a hit

The Dasara Doll Show, organised by artist-couple Shashikala and Govindaraj of the city’s Vishweshwaranagar, is an additional attraction at the venue. The members of the public can watch this colourful and artistic Doll show at Rangayana premises from 10.30 am to 8 pm on all the days till Oct. 23. The entry is free.