Dasara festivities kick off at KIA

 Enthralling a crowd of mostly air passengers, award-winning Hindustani vocalist Sangeeta Katti’s recital set the tone for Dasara festivities at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) here on Wednesday.

Arranged by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and the State Department of Kannada & Culture, the festivities are designed to showcase the rich culture of South India.

A half-hour of soul-rending Bhajans and Vachana Gayana by Basavaraj Mugalakhod, and an hour of Yakshagana by Arpita Hegde and her troupe had the crowds applauding in tandem. South India’s unique tradition of Dasara is reflected in the display of Gombe at the kerb for both travellers and visitors, alike. The melange of dolls depict Gods, puranas, everyday life, and characters from Hindu mythology to celebrate the presence of the Gods in our lives.

Observed during Navaratri, the nine holy nights, Kolu marks a prosperous beginning through divinity and togetherness.

Dasara at KIA, as BIAL officials put it, would encourage travellers to send festive greetings to their loved ones on curated postcards, created by hearing-impaired children from the Mathru School, Bengaluru, at no cost.

Donation boxes have also been set up at the terminal where passengers can make contributions towards the purchase of Braille books for visually-impaired children at Mathru School. BIAL will match these donations with an equal amount of money. The three-day Dasara festival at the kerb is open for both travellers and visitors to the Airport.