Mysuru: There was excitement in the air as literature lovers of all hues from different parts of the State, country and abroad have descended to participate in the three-day 83rd Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana called the Akshara Jatre (Festival of Letters) beginning today.

Last evening, that is a day prior to the event, thousands of people were seen visiting the Maharaja’s College Grounds where the majestic Rajarshi Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Pavilion is fully decorated to receive the visitors. The organisers with an eye for details have erected the Mysore Palace Durbar Hall style main stage titled Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Vedike. Added to this is replicating the grand entrance of Sri Male Mahadeshwara Hill.

Welcoming the people at the entrance gate are the mythological figures Mahanandi, Mahishasura and the Janapada artists’ figures adding a touch of human element. The visitors young and old were seen taking selfies with such eye-catching backgrounds and posting them on their social media pages.

The illumination on JLB Road, Chamaraja Double Road, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Circle (Hardinge Circle), Suburban Bus Stand, Sayyaji Rao Road and K.R. Circle, besides many other buildings has once again turned the city into a fairyland, reflecting the Dasara atmosphere.

Family arrives for Akshara Jatre: A family from distant Kalburgi has arrived to participate in the Festival of Letters. Literature lover Pundalik, his wife Jayanti, mother-in-law Lakshmibai, daughter Priyanka and his relative’s son Arpit came last night to Maharaja’s College Grounds and were impressed with the preparations.

The family is staying in a lodge and last time too the family had attended the Sammelana in Raichur. Expressing his happiness at participating in the Akshara Jatre, Pundalik said that he would stay here for four days and will visit tourist places.