Overview

• International Booker winner Banu Mushtaq, joined by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, offered floral tributes to the Chamundeshwari idol on Chamundi Hill between 10:10 and 10:40 a.m.
• Authorities enforced multilayer checks with over 6,000 personnel, halted entry to the temple early, restricted private vehicles without passes, barred black caps and handkerchiefs, and limited camera access inside the sanctum.
• The Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging the invitation, characterizing the inauguration as a state event not governed by temple ritual rules.
• The 11-day program runs September 22 to October 2 with palace concerts, a flower show at Kuppanna Park, Yuva Dasara, exhibitions, heritage activities, and the Vijayadashami procession on October 2.
• Navaratri festivities also open at Srisailam with Yagashala Pravesham and special rituals, while Shivamogga launches its 11-day Dasara led by (Retd.) Lt. Gen. B. S. Raju with elephants from the Sakrebail camp in the procession.