Puttamma Ramaiah Kalyan Mantap in Mysore, where the programme was held was packed beyond expectation, with women attending in large numbers.
Ustad Jaheerulla Khan and troupe of Funkar Welfare Society performed ghazal and Qawwali programmes and kept the audience glued to their seats.
They even sang songs praising the unity between the Hindu-Muslim communities striving to maintain peace in the state.
Whle Indrani Ananthkumar sang Vaishnava Janato..., Manoj Manuel, D’Souza, Wilfred sang Christian songs. Later, people of the three communities had lunch together where vegetable pulao, curd rice, vade and Mysore pak was served.
Earlier Mysore Bishop Thomas Antony Vazhapilly inaugurated the programme. Speaking on the occasion, he said Mysore Dasara is a perfect platform for harmony and has become a role model for others.
He stressed that harmony is the only solution for the betterment of the society and it is important that everyone is aware of this. Moulvi Usman Sharieff called upon the people of all the three communities, Hindu, Muslim and Christians to participate in equal enthusiasm and fervour in the dasara activities.
It is important to give respect to all the religions. He also recalled that Mysore Maharaja had people of all religions in his court and hence Dasara is something that is beyond any particular section, caste, creed or religion.
Satyeshananda Swamiji, district-in-charge minister S A Ramdas, deputy commissioner P S Vastrad, police commisisoner Sunil Agarwal, DCPs Basavaraj Malagathi, Rajendra Prasad, MCC commissioner K S Raykar, Taj Mohammed Khan and others participated.