Thousands join Tiranga Yatra in Mysuru to salute Indian soldiers

People taking part in Tiranga Yatra to express solidarity with the Indian armed forces, along the D. Devaraja Urs Road in Mysuru on Friday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM

The city was awash with the tricolour on Friday as thousands of citizens from various walks of life gathered to take part in the Tiranga Yatra held to honour and express solidarity with Indian soldiers who defended the nation during the recent hostilities with Pakistan.

The cynosure of all eyes was the national flag, which spanned nearly 500 meters from end to end and was held aloft by the marching participants.

Tiranga Yatra is held as a non-party event in various places across the country on different dates. The event in Mysuru commenced after floral tributes were offered to Field Marshal K.M. Cariyappa.

The event saw participation of people cutting across political and religious lines, and included ex-servicemen, students, spiritual leaders, and other ordinary citizens.

Addressing the gathering, MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar emphasized that Tiranga Yatra was not a party event, and it was the citizens’ expression of solidarity with Indian soldiers.

“We are thankful that so many religious leaders have joined this effort. The message is clear — if you attack India, expect a strong response. India is peace-loving but resolute. There is no room for terrorism here,” Mr. Yaduveer said.

Drawing attention to the soaring heat, which was causing discomfiture to the people, Mr. Yaduveer reminded the gathering to reflect on the harsh and extreme conditions in which Indian soldiers serve daily.

Speaking on the occasion, Suttur Mutt Seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami condemned the recent attack on tourists by terrorists in Pahalgam, calling it an act born of a “hideous and fiendish mindset.”

He praised the swift and firm response of the Indian armed forces and said any force that disrupts peace and amity must be dealt with firmly. Soldiers should be included in one’s daily prayers in recognition of the silent sacrifices they make in extreme conditions, even at sub-zero temperatures, so that citizens can live in peace, the seer added.

Ganapathi Sachidananda Swami of Avadhoota Datta Peetha said the Prime Minister took the right decision at the right time.

The Tiranga Yatra in Mysuru resonated with chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and other patriotic slogans. The participants marched from Field Marshal K.M. Cariyappa Circle to Shivarampet, entered D. Devaraj Urs Road from the Dufferin Clock Tower, and marched back to the starting position.

Datta Vijayananda Swami, Somanatheshwara Swami of the Mysuru branch of Adi Chunchanagari Mutt, and Bishop of Mysuru Bernard Moras were among those present.