Dasara illumination extended by 15 days in Mysuru: Panel chief

Mysuru: The government has so far released Rs 18.50 crore for the Mysuru Dasara, which will be held on a grand scale befitting its historical and traditional significance, district-in-charge minister,V Somanna, who is also the chairman of  the Dasara executive committee said here on Saturday. In fact, Mysuru will be illuminated for 15 days more after the Dasara celebrations this year, going by the minister.

Mr Somanna, who was speaking to reporters after chairing the first meeting of the Dasara executive committee, here on Saturday, said  the celebrations would be flagged off atop the Chamundi hills  by noted litterateur, S L Bhyrappa  on September 29.

“We have asked officers to come up with some unique programmes this year to break the monotony and get good artistes for the cultural programmes that are held in front of the  Mysuru Palace and for the Yuva Dasara too,” he added.

The Dasara website will be activated shortly and a 24/7 call centre will be started from Monday to provide all details of the festivities to tourists.

“We are  publicising Dasara widely to draw tourists from across the country and the world to Mysuru for the celebrations. CCTV cameras will be installed at all the entry points to the city and we will ensure adequate transportation for tourists ,” the minister said, adding that the government would host a lunch for the pourakarmikas and advise them to keep Mysuru clean during the celebrations in keeping with its ranking as the third cleanest city in the country.

“As the birth centenary celebrations of the last Mysuru maharaja, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, are also being held, we will make them a part of Dasara,” he revealed.