Karnataka Chief Minister said that all rituals of Dussehra celebrations will be conducted (FILE)
Bangalore:
The Karnataka government on Friday decided to organize the famous Mysore Dussehra festival this year in a “simple and traditional” manner keeping in mind the COVID-19 concerns.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, “Mysuru Dussehra is also a nada habba (state festival). Last year we celebrated it in a traditional and simple way. This time also we will celebrate it the same way.”
He was talking to reporters after chairing a high level committee meeting on Mysore Dussehra.
Mr Bommai said that all the rituals related to the festival such as the inauguration of the festival atop Chamundi Hills, Jambu Savari (procession of thriving elephants) and lights would be organized across the city for 10 days.
“We have decided to release Rs 6 crore for the celebration of Dussehra festival in Mysore, Chamarajanagar and Sriragapatna,” he said.
Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said that festivities and cultural programs would be confined to Amba Vilas Palace and Chamundeshwari Temple. The famous Jambu Savari will also take place inside the Mysuru Palace complex like last year.
The High Level Committee authorized the Chief Minister to select an eminent personality for the inauguration of the 10-day cultural and religious festival.
Cooperation Minister ST Somashekar, who is in charge of COVID-19 cases in Mysore district, said, “We have authorized the CM to choose who will inaugurate the festival this time.”
The 10-day long festival will be flagged off on October 7 at Chamundi Hills. Last year, the government had selected five corona warriors to inaugurate the festival.
Mr. Somashekar said that Jambu Savari will be held on October 15 at 2.45 pm
Noting that last year, 150 people were allowed for inaugurations, 50 for cultural events and 300 for Jambu Savari, he said, “We asked the CM to double it. But experts said in September, COVID There is a warning of a third wave of 19- October. So a decision will be taken based on the situation after September 20. If the cases increase, the restrictions on the number of people will continue as last year.”
The Chief Minister said that in the meeting, it was also decided to release the outstanding amount of Rs 8.09 crore for the 2019 Dussehra.
“I have directed the officers to maintain financial discipline, to ensure that expenditure does not exceed the grant released for the year and to ensure accountability, as well as transparency,” he said.
In the meeting, several elected representatives requested the Chief Minister to set up a tourist circuit in the Mysore region.
“I will discuss with the tourism minister and concerned officials to make the most of the opportunity under the existing tourism policy,” Mr Bommai said, adding that tourism has been affected due to COVID-19, resulting in economic Recession has come. In this background, concrete steps will be taken to promote tourism.
The Chief Minister directed the officials to submit an estimate for the infrastructure development in Mysore in connection with the Dussehra celebrations.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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