Preparations for nine-day Dasara festival in final stages: Minister

Mysuru, NT Bureau: Mysuru District In-Charge Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa on Monday said that all preparations are underway for the Naada Habba Dasara celebration which will be held between October 3 and 12 at different venues in the city. Speaking to reporters at a press conference held here, the minister said that renowned writer and scholar Hampa Nagarajaiah will kick off the celebration atop Chamundi Hill on October 3 on the auspicious occasion of 'Vrishchika lagna' between 9.15 am and 9.45 am in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other guests and invitees.

Various events organized as part of the celebrations including cultural events in the premises of Mysore Palace, the Dasara food festival, film festival, flower show, women and children Dasara, Raitha Dasara and the Dasara exhibition, will be inaugurated on the same day as the inaugural function of the Dasara celebrations. This year, as many as 508 artist troupes will present their shows at 11 different venues.

The CM will confer the Sangeetha Vidwan awards on outstanding musicians at the Dasara cultural events hosted at Amba Vilas premises on October 3 evening. The minister also clarified that there will be no air show this year. Other events will be held as usual. He said that owing to law and order problems, parking issues and the overwhelming response to Yuva Dasara celebrations with celebrity musicians Ilayaraja and AR Rehaman performing, the Dasara celebration committee has shifted the venue to Uttanahalli grounds from Maharaja College grounds.

The committee has made all preparations for Yuva Sambrama celebrations at Uttanahalli including lighting, drinking water, mobile toilets, parking and free bus arrangements to bring people for the Yuva Sambrama celebrations. Police will deploy additional staff and ensure installation of CCTV cameras at strategice locations for the event at Uttanahalli, he said. Deputy Commissioner G Lakshmikanthreddy said that the distribution of Dasara gold cards which started from September 26, was receiving an overwhelming response.