The world famous Mysuru Dasara festival was inaugurated by former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior BJP leader S M Krishna on Thursday by offering special puja to the presiding deity Goddess Chamundeshwari at Chamundi Hills today. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was present on this occasion.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Speaking during the inaugural S M Krishna recalled Dasara festivities during early years of his life when violinist Pitilu Chowdaiah enthralled the audience during the cultural event. He said wrestling competitions and Dasara exhibition were the star attractions during those days.  He said that Mysore rulers right from Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar had bestowed prominence to the Dasara festival.<br />''<br />'' Looking back, Mr. Krishna said that Mahatma Gandhi too had visited Mysore in 1934. He emphasised on the need to strengthen tourism infrastructure in Mysuru and organise package tours for national and international tourists during the ten days Dasara festival. </span><br />