Madikeri: The traditional Dasara festivities will be ushered in Madikeri in with the taking out of the four "karagas" from Pumpinakere, near Mahadevepet in the city, on Saturday.

The Karagas are taken out from the spot, representing the four temples of "Shakti devatas" — Kundurumotte Chowtti Mariyamma, Dandina Mariyamma, Kanchi Kamakshi and Kote Mariyamma.

The Dasara Samiti office-bearers, councillors, district officials, would be part of the karaga puja, Monty Ganesh, general secretary of the City Dasara Samiti said. Madikeri is getting a facelift as the roads battered in rains recently are being done up at various places to facilitate smooth movement of the 10 decorated chariots (cars), which would be taken out in the city on the culmination of Navaratri after midnight on October 2. Drainages are being cleaned and debris in the waste bins around the city is being removed. In the absence of an elected president to the Madikeri CMC, working president Eshwara Kumar is given the responsibility to run the show. Surprisingly, neither the Deputy Commissioner nor the Madikeri MLA, have accepted to act as the president of the City Dasara Samiti.

The State Government has released Rs. 10 lakh for the celebrations, but the samiti members have sought an additional Rs. 15 lakh. This follows a demand from the Dasha Mantaps to increase their allocations from Rs. 15,000 each to Rs. 50,000. Efforts are being made to illuminate the main streets.

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