Madikeri Dasara

This article describes the way Dasara festival is celebrated in the city of Madikeri in the Indian State of Karnataka.It has an history of over 100 years. Madikeri Dasara is a 10 day celebration, which is beautified by 4 Karagas and 10 Mantapas depicting killing of Asuras by Suras . Preparation for Madikeri dasara starts before 3 months. Most of the money for this celebration is collected from the people of Kodagu. Each of these 10 Mantapa committee has 50 to 100 members. A Mantapa comprises idols of height 8 to 15 feet, which is set up at the front of a lighting board. The cost of building a Mantapa will be Rs. 3 to 5 Lakhs.

History

Many years ago there was a disease in Madikeri which caused the people to suffer a lot. The disease spread all overMadikeri Town. The King of Madikeri decided to start Mariamma festival. Hence from that time onwards Mariamma festival has been celebrated. The festival starts the day after Mahalaya Amavasye. Hence Dasara starts of with four Karagas.

It is the second most famous Dasara Festival in India after Mysore Dasara.

Karaga in Madikeri Dasara

There are 4 Mariamma Temples in the town: Dandina Mariamma, Kanchi Kamakshi, Kundurumotte Sri Chowti Mariamma and Kote Mariamma. Each of these Mariamma Temples has Karaga, which starts on the first day of Navaratri. These four Karagas represent the "Shakthi Devathas" of the town. All the Temples will be decorated by Lights and the whole Madikeri looks more beautiful on these 10 days.On...
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