The jumbo journey was launched by District In-Charge Minister S. Suresh Kumar after pooja at the Anjaneyaswamy temple following traditional welcome by women with 101 kalashas to the accompaniment of cultural troupes and playing of traditional musical instruments.

Hunsur MLA H.P. Manjunath lighted the lamp. Minister's wife Savithri Suresh Kumar accompanied him as they arrived at the venue at about 10 am.

The rituals included breaking of ash-gourd smeared with vermilion and showering flowers on the caparisoned elephants.

In his brief address at the simple function that followed the rituals, the Minister highlighted a few unique features of Dasara festival this time.

Leader of the first contingent Balarama has carried the golden howdah nine times in a row and is expected to repeat his grand performance this year too.