From correspondents in Karnataka, India, 07:02 PM IST

The ten-day long world famous Dussehra festival began at Mysore Tuesday amid tight security in the wake of ongoing terror strikes in the country.

The seer of Tumkur Siddaganga Mutt Swami Shivakumar flagged off the festival in presence of Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, the official chief guest. Several platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police are deployed across the city of palaces.

Police sources told IANS that security measures have been tightened to avert any mishap. 'Metal detectors and closed-circuit television (CCTV) networks have been installed in all the palaces where festivities will take place during the days,' said the official.

Police had also made 20 preventive arrests as part of the security arrangements.

The preparations for the festival began almost two months back and the entire city of Mysore, 150 km away from the state capital Bangalore, has been decked up in varied colours.

The Dussehra celebration committee is expecting one million people, including thousands of domestic and foreign tourists, to be a part of the celebrations.

The grand finale of the festival will be a torchlight parade and fireworks after sunset at the Bannimantap grounds across Mysore.

The festivities of Dussehra in Mysore date back to 1610 by King Raja Wodeyar I. According to legend, Goddess Chamundeeswari slew demon Mahishasuran on Vijayadashami day, which is celebrated as Dussehra, the last day of the festival.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)