Mysuru: Republic Day parade glitz for Jumbo Savari

Mysuru: It’s already a huge attraction, but the Dasara Jumbo Savari with its caparisoned elephants making their way slowly but surely through the streets of Mysuru, cheered on by thousands of onlookers , is set to get bigger and better this year. The procession, which is held on Vijayadashami Day will this time be held on the lines of the Republic Day parade at Rajpath, Delhi with the inclusion of a few new attractions.   

While over 42 tableaux and cultural troupes from  different parts of the state and country  will participate in the event, this year the organisers want to make sure that the troupes from around Karnataka perform a common folk art form like Kamsale or Dollu Kunitha  together and in synchronisation wearing matching costume.

The decision was taken at the Dasara sub-committee meeting  Monday evening. It has also been suggested that the honorarium for artistes of cultural troupes performing over 5 kms on the Raja Marga (the procession route) during the Jumbo Savari  should be increased from Rs 1000 to either Rs 2,000 or Rs 3000. 

 To make sure there is no big rush for the  Dasara food festival in the Scouts and Guides grounds, it's planned to have a food mela at three other places as well, near Lalit Mahal Palace on T Narsipur road, near the Saathgalli bus stop and near the torchlight parade  in Mysuru. Also, women’s wrestling will this year be part of Dasara kusthi, and a cyclothon and a  marathon will be included in Dasara sports.