Mysuru: The first batch of Dasara elephants led by elephant Arjuna marched into the Amba Vilas Palace along with musicians and the traditional trumpets. Revenue and District In-charge Minister V Srinivas Prasad welcomed the elephants by showering flowers. Other elephants included Balarama, Abhimanyu, Vikrama, Cauvery and?Chaitra. The elephants had come to the city on September 4.
Srinivas Prasad released this year’s Dasara logo. Speaking to reporters, the minister said that the government would observe a low-key festival but all the traditional ceremonies will be held. “The usual Jamboo Savari, puja to Sri Chamundeshwari by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, cultural events at the palace and the historic torch light parade will be held. Even the royal family will observe the traditional Dasara inside the palace,” he said.
A progressive farmer will inaugurate the festival to send out the message that the government was with the farmers and it will do everything to support the cause of farmers, the minister said.
“The traditional tableaux will be restricted to district level instead of state level and all the district departments can take part in the tableaux display. Dasara sports too will be limited to district level instead of the usual state level. Only the Raja Marga and the palace will be illuminated and the usual flower show and exhibitions will be organised,” he said.
The poets meet will focus on instilling confidence among the farmers and also the killing of noted scholar Kalburgi will be condemned, the minister said.
“There won’t be any Dasara sub-committee this time as the main executive committee will decide on the conduct of the festival,” he added.
On the drought situation in the state, the minister said that the central drought assessment committee will visit Hunsur, Periyapatna and H D Kote on September 10. “The state government has already spent Rs 12 crore for drought and we are awaiting the central aid,” he said.
Minister for cooperatives H S Mahadeva Prasad, MLAs M K Somashekar, Vasu, G T Devegowda, ZP President Dr Pushpavathy Amarnath, Zoo Authority Chairman Rehana Banu, DCFs Karikalan and Kamala Karikalan and others were present.
