MYSORE: The 10-day long Dasara festivities began on a traditional note atop the Chamundi Hills on Saturday with special prayers being offered to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysore.

Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder, Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore, inaugurated the celebrations by lighting a traditional lamp and offering flowers to the idol of the goddess. Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, Minister in-charge of Mysore Shobha Karandlaje and Minister for Information Technology Katta Subramanya Naidu were among those present.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/20/stories/2009092055960100.htm