Mysuru: Public participation in the world famous
Mysuru Dasara has been limited owing to the prevailing
Covid-19 situation and people of Mysuru and devotees are urged to cooperate with the government, said district minister ST Somashekar here on Thursday.
“All arrangements have been made to facilitate the public to witness the celebration
online and through live telecast. Sitting at home, people can be a part of the celebration and get the blessing of the deity,’ the minister said.
As there is no vaccine for Covid-19 yet, allowing any big gathering could invite more trouble. Once the vaccine is on hand, the festival can be conducted magnificently next season, he added.
Somashekar, who inspected arrangements atop Chamundi Hills, requested the public not to make any gathering and take ‘wefies’ in public places. People must understand the situation and cooperate in this hour of crisis, he added.
Later, Somashekar interacted with priests about the rituals and preparation.
As per the suggestions of technical experts committee, seating arrangements have been made for only 200 individuals atop Chamundi Hills where Dasara will be inaugurated by Dr CN Manjunath, director of Jayadeva Hospital on Saturday.
About 35 seats are reserved for VIPs, a few for media persons. Speaker Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri and Legislative Council chairman K Prathapchandra Shetty will participate in cultural events at Mysuru Palace at 7pm. Except for agriculture Minister BC Patil, none of the ministers will partake in Dasara events owing to Covid-19.
Grand Dasara next year
This year’s festival will be simple but next year it will be celebrated on a grand scale. As currently there is no vaccine for Covid-19 we can’t allow people to gather. We hope a vaccine is made available soon to fight the virus.
ST Somashekar, Mysuru district minister
Pt Torvi to get Sangeet Vidwan award
Chief minister BS Yediyurappa will present the prestigious Sangeet Vidwan Award to Indian classical vocalist Pandit Vinayaka Torvi at Mysuru Palace premises on Saturday.
“At 6pm on Saturday, Pandit Vinayaka Torvi will be presented with the award on a stage set up for cultural programmes at the palace premises, said department of Kannada and Culture assistant director Channappa H. The officer, who is also the secretary for Dasara cultural programmes sub-committee, said cultural programmes have been restricted to the Mysuru Palace premises.