MYSURU: With just two weeks to go for the grand Dasara procession of Mysuru, district in-charge minister ST Somashekar said he would request chief minister Basavaraj Bommai to increase the seating capacity to provide an opportunity for more people to witness the traditional gala events.
Last year, only 200 people were permitted to witness the procession of elephants and cultural troupes. This year too the Vijayadashmi procession is confined to the palace owing to Covid situation. As per the suggestions of the technical advisory committee, only 500 people are permitted to witness the colourful event this year.
Dasara procession is scheduled to be held at the palace on October 15. The festival will be inaugurated atop Chamundi Hills on October 7.
“There is demand from tourism stakeholders to increase the seating capacity to at least 3,000, given that the positivity rate is low. CM Basavaraj Bommai will take a call on it,” Somshekar told reporters in Mysuru.
Veteran politician SM Krishna, who has been selected to open the Dasara festival, will be invited on Saturday. Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai himself will extend an invitation to Krishna.
The government has released Rs 6 crore for the festivities.
Authorities have to part with funds for Dasara celebrations at Mandya and Chamarajanagar too. The decision taken by the Dasara high power committee is final with regard to celebration. The government has decided to celebrate simple and traditional Dasara. Except for inauguration, procession and cultural/musical events on Mysuru Palace premises, the rest of the programmes have been cancelled owing to the pandemic. Though Covid cases have come down and restrictions have been eased, there is no complete relaxation.
Dasara webpage launched
District in-charge minister ST Somashekar launched a webpage for Mysuru Dasara celebration — www.mysoredasara.gov.in at Mysuru Palace Board on Friday. It contains details of events, including inauguration, procession and cultural events. The webpage also comprises information about chief guest SM Krishna, elephants, photos and footage of previous Dasara celebrations.
