Cops rehearse cannon firing ahead of Dasara

MYSORE: With the Nadahabba Dasara fast approaching, preparations have commenced in Mysore Palace with City Armed Reserve Police starting rehearsals of firing seven cannons to mark the beginning of Vijayadashmi procession and Governor opening the Torch Light Parade at Bannimantap.Traditionally, the cops open fire 21 rounds in the air to mark the beginning of the Dasara procession after the Chief Minister offers floral tributes to goddess Chamundeshwari.The cannon barrels that are about 155 years old are made out of bronze and were brought from France. They were fired to alert Mysoreans about the celebratory mood of the Royal family and on the occasion of the birth of Yuvaraja.They were being used more as a means to communicate to people on special occasions.The palace police opened fire with a cannon as soon as the King sat on the Golden Howdah during the Dasara procession. However, now the CM inaugurates Dasara after the government withdrew the privy purse and India became a Republic. The cops have started rehearsals 20 days ahead of Dasara festivities as more than seven constables suffered injuries on various occasions while operating cannons.Meanwhile, the restoration of 60-year-old paintings at the Balarama Gate and at the Amba Vilas Palace are in full swing.