In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the 10-day Dasara celebrations would be held in Mysuru in a simple way next month. It will be inaugurated by five COVID-19 warriors.
Crowd pullers such as Yuva Dasara, flower exhibition, sports, food mela, film festival, yoga, and other events will not be organised. All traditional events will be held in Chamundeshwari temple and on Amba Vilas Palace premises by ensuring social distancing, while the world famous Jamboo Savari would be restricted to the palace premises.
Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who presided over a meeting of the Dasara High Powered Committee on Tuesday, said the committee had unanimously resolved to celebrate the festival in a simple manner.
Only 5-6 elephants
“This time, Jamboo Savari will be limited within the palace premises following traditions with only five-six elephants. Five COVID-19 warriors — a doctor, nurse, civic worker, accredited social health activist, and police — will inaugurate Dasara festivities,” the Chief Minister said.
Kannada and Culture and Tourism C.T. Ravi said the Chief Minister has assured ₹10 crore and ₹5 crore from the Mysore Urban Development Authority for holding the festival.
He said the decision to hold a simple Dasara has been taken keeping in mind that no additional burden should be on the health and security staff, who have been engaged in COVID-19 management for the last five months.
Limited decoration
Light decoration in Mysuru during the festival would be limited to major circles in the city. The film festival, adventure sports, food mela, exhibitions, Yuva Dasara, and torchlight parade among other events would also not be held this time. However, Dasara wrestling would be limited to traditions, he said.
According to sources, the earlier incident when Jamboo Savari was restricted to the palace premises was in 2003 when the State witnessed severe drought.
The modalities of the events would be finalised in a meeting in the coming days, Mr. Ravi said.
No Chinese items
Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, at the Dasara meeting on Tuesday, instructed the Mysuru district administration and authorities involved in conducting the celebrations not to allow marketing of Chinese goods as envisioned by the Atmanirbhar programme of the Centre.