Madikeri: Thousands of people viewed Dashamantapa procession which passed through the main streets of Madikeri on Saturday night and culminated on Sunday morning. Ten tableauxs of Pete Sriram Mandira, Kundurumotte Sri Chowtti Mariyamma, Dandina Mariyamma, Kote Mariyamma, Kanchi Kamakshi, Kote Ganapathi, Chowdeshwari, Kodandarama Temple, Dechur Rama Mandir and Karavale Bhagavathi Temple were taken in a majestic procession.

Main temples, government offices, private buildings, main streets of the city were lit with colourful lights. The procession of Dashamantapas started after 11 pm. Each temple tableaux depicted different story based on mythology. Kote Mariyamma temple Mantapa won the first place in the contest, followed by Chowdeshwari temple (II) and Kodanda Ram temple (III).

Madikeri Dasara is organised in an equivalent manner to that of Mysore Dasara. It has been organised with more grandeur by every passing year, said Home Minister and Kodagu District-in-Charge Minister K J George.

He was speaking at the valedictory of Dasara cultural programme at Gandhi Maidan on Saturday. “Madikeri Dasara is not just limited to Kodagu district, but also it has been drawing people from neighbouring districts and states. It is a challenging job for the district administration and the police to controlling a large gathering in Madikeri during procession. Yet, all have done a commendable job, he said.

MLA Appachu Ranjan congratulated the State government for granting Rs one crore for the purpose.