Mysore: The colourfully and aesthetically decorated ‘Dasara Amanthran Ratha,’ the publicity chariot for Dasara, was flagged off by Chief Minister Siddharamaiah at a function organised by Dasara Publicity Sub-Committee in front of Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple near Palace here today.

The Ratha is a medium-sized truck with publicity posters of Dasara affixed on the exterior surface. A music troupe also travels in the vehicle playing Naadageethe and songs pertaining to the culture of State and Dasara. A decorated bicycle is also carried along with the vehicle to be used for publicity.

The Ratha is expected to travel 3,000 km across State covering almost all districts and taluk centres and formally extend an invitation to people for Dasara. The vehicle will tour the State till Sept. 30 and return to city.

Speaking on the occasion, Siddharamaiah commended the Sub-Committee in conceptualising innovative ideas which would surely appeal to the masses.

Ministers H.C. Mahadevappa, V. Sreenivasa Prasad, H.K. Patil, MLA Tanveer Sait, ZP President Dr. B. Pushpa Amarnath, Publicity Sub-Committee Chairman K. Deepak, who is the President of Mysore District Journalists Association, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa and others were present.