Mysuru: A colourful procession, reminiscent of the Dasara Jumboo Savari, marked the 517^th Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations in Mysuru city this morning. 

The procession, organised by the District Administration in association with the Department of Kannada and Culture and the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), was flagged off by Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda from the Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple premises near the North Gate of Mysore Palace. Adichunchanagiri Mutt Mysuru Branch Seer Sri Somanatha Swamiji was present on the occasion. 

Flower-decked chariots carrying the statues of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda and the late Adichunchanagiri Pontiff Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji were among the major attractions.  

Five tableaux depicting the history of the Vokkaliga community and the Ganga Dynasty of Talakad, dating from 300 BC to 1000 AD, also formed part of     the procession.  

The bursting of firecrackers along the route added to the festive atmosphere. 

Nearly 20 cultural troupes accompanied the procession, showcasing a variety of traditional folk art forms, including Narasimha Vesha, Mahishasura Vesha, Karaga, Dollu Kunita, Mahila Veeragase, Pattada Kunita, Lingadheera Kunita, Nandi Dhwaja, Madikeri Chende, Udupi Pili Nritya (Tiger Dance) and the Police Band. The Mounted Police contingent on horseback lent a regal touch to the event. 

Two traditional bullock carts, symbolising Karnataka’s agrarian heritage, also took part in the procession. 

The procession passed through Chamaraja Wadiyar Circle, Albert Victor Road, K.R. Circle, D. Devaraj Urs Road, JLB Road, Field Marshal Cariappa Circle and Vinoba Road before culminating at Kalamandira, where the official Jayanti programme was held. 

Among those who took part in the programme were Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa, former MLAs M.K. Somashekar and L. Nagendra, former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Prathap Simha, Mysuru District Congress President Dr. B.J. Vijaykumar, State Vokkaliga Sangha General Secretary C.G. Gangadhar, former Mayors R. Lingappa and Sandesh Swamy, Kempegowda Jayantotsava Committee President P. Prashanth Gowda, former MUDA Member Lakshmidevi and several other leaders.