<span style="color: #222222;">The world famous 10-day long Dussehra festivities began in the palace city of Mysuru today with religious fervour, amid the shadow of Covid-19 pandemic. Celebrated as 'Nada Habba' a state festival, was inaugurated with puja offered to goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi hill.<br />''<br />''The Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research Dr C N Manjunath was the Chief Guest this year. He was chosen for Dasara inauguration, in recognition of the service of doctors and front line Covid-19 warriors who are tirelessly working against the pandemic. As part of the festivities, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa offered flowers to the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysore royals. Another event of religious significance was the ritual of Cauvery Theerthodbhava, the puja offered to river Cauvery in Bhagamandala, considered its birth place.</span><br />