It was bliss to perform at Mysuru Palace's Dasara celebration which I once watched standing outside: Yamuna Srinidhi recollects her fond Naada Habba memories

It's finally that time of the year where one can witness the grand 'Dasara' celebrations in Mysuru. Fondly known as the 'Naada Habba', Dasara has always been special for Kannadigas. From witnessing the cultural events to the grand 'Jumbo Savari, the Naada Habba has a special connection with every Mysorean.
ETimes-TV got in touch with actress Yamuna Srinidhi and she shared some of her fond Dasara memories from childhood.
"Being born & brought up in Mysuru, Dasara festival has been part of my childhood. The festivities were totally different from today. Celebrations would last for a month. Every single house in Mysuru would be immersed in these traditional Dasara festivities and follow the Dasara procession either live or on television," recounts the actress.
She also shared, "Going to Dasara exhibition, visiting the flower show, Zoo, Palace and Brindavan gardens was a well-earned outing for any Mysorean. I remember we would wait for it all year long."
Being a dancer, she enjoyed watching the cultural events held during the Nada Habba celebrations.
"Since childhood, I was never lucky to get a pass to witness performances at Mysuru Palace from a nearby distance. But I had the privilege to stand outside the palace and witness those world-class events on screen," mentions Yamuna.
Needless to say, Yamuna's happiness knew no boundaries when she was invited to perform a solo number in the prestigious Dasara events at Mysuru Palace.
"I was invited to give a solo performance at the prestigious Mysuru Palace in 2009. I was overwhelmed with joy and the experience of performing there was bliss. I have been performing at Mysuru Dasara cultural events since we moved back from the USA," shares the elated actress.
While the 'Nada Habba' is expected to be a low-key affair this year, Yamuna is eagerly looking forward to performing in Dasara events next year.
"Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the celebrations have been scaled down. The cultural events have also been canceled except for Mysuru palace with just 50 people. Right now, I am hopeful and looking forward to performing at Dasara next year," signs off the actress.