Hunsur:  The colourful procession organised as part of ‘Hunsur Habba,’ the first of its kind in the communally sensitive town, by the Taluk Administration and local organisations, received an overwhelming response here on Saturday.

Over 5,000 people from various parts of the taluk witnessed the procession, beyond the expectation of the organisers.

The procession, which began from Ranganathaswamy Temple in Kalkunike Ranganatha Layout of the town, culminated at Kalkunike Circle after passing through main streets.

Students of more than 10 schools took out march-past along with bandset which was followed by folk troupes. Mari Kunita was performed by Kicchu Yuvaka Sangha of Halebeedu village in Bilikere hobli; Gavadagere’s Dollu Kunita, Veeraghase, Pata Kunita, Kolata, Karate Demonstration by La Salette School and Classic troupe’s Drumset drew huge appreciation from the public.

Over 30 foreign students from countries like Uganda, Afghanistan, Zambia and South Africa, dressed in their traditional attire, took part in the procession under the aegis of Nehru Yuva Kendra.  People of the town swarmed them to take selfies with them. Unorgansied labourers, dressed in their uniforms, also took part in the procession under the banner of the Labour Department.

Tableaux

The display of tableaux by various Departments of the Government was the other highlight of the event. Forest Department’s tableau spoke about conserving wildlife with the replica of elephants, deer, tiger, leopard and other animals on display.

On the other hand, the tableau by Muslim community members, under the title ‘Bharatada Shilpigalu’ (Sculptors of India), displayed the photographs of great personalities like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Fakruddin Ali Ahammed, Nazeer Saab (popularly called ‘Neer’ (water) Sab for his revolutionary drinking water schemes) and Mirza Ismail.

While Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, through its tableau, sensitised people on Swachh Bharat Mission, City Muncipal’s tableau created awareness on Waste Disposal and Police Department’s tableau advocated people to follow traffic rules.

Inauguration : Earlier, District Minsiter G.T. Devegowda inaugurated the procession by offering puja to Nandi Kamba and Goddess Bhuvaneshwari idol placed in a silver chariot at Ranganathaswamy Temple. State JD(S) President and Hunsur MLA A.H. Vishwanath and the District Minister G.T. Devegowda thanked the people for peaceful conduct of procession in the town which was banned from last three years due to communal disturbances.

Hunsur City Municipal Council President H.Y. Mahadev, Members Sunitha Jayaramegowda, Shivakumar, ZP Members M.B. Surendra, Kattanayaka and others were present.

Follow Star of Mysore on Instagram www.instagram.com/starofmysore