MYSURU: Kannada poet K S Nissar Ahmad inaugurated the 408th Dasara festivities in Mysuru by showering flowers on a chariot-borne idol of the deity Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi hill on Thursday.

Ahmad is the first Muslim called upon to inaugurate the Dasara festivities for which the town of Mysuru is famous. He was accompanied in the ceremony by Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and minister H C Mahadevappa.

The poet said it was the greatest moment of his life to inaugurate a cultural festival that was started by the Vijayanagar kingdom and then practised by the Wodeyars.

"Dasara is above caste, creed and religion. It strengthens social harmony, the Kannada language and different local art forms,” he said.

Siddaramaiah said the Mysuru Dasara festivities have boosted tourism and showcased the cultural heritage of Karnataka.

The festivities will culminate with the famous Jamboo Savari on October 30. Various cultural events will be held during the period with some acclaimed musicians performing.