Mysuru: Extra flights to the cultural city to draw more international tourists, added tourist attractions showcasing the rich heritage of the region and an attempt to retain the clean city tag will be the main highlights of Dasara 2016.
Disclosing the details at a meeting of elected representatives and senior officials of the government, the district in-charge minister HC Mahadevappa said, “This year’s celebration will neither be simple nor extravagant, but will uphold the rich tradition while maintaining the cleanliness for which the city is known for”. Incidentally, Mysuru is rated as the cleanest city in India.
To begin with, a herd of Dasara elephants from Veerana Hosahalli village in Hunsur Taluk will leave for the city on Aug 21. The herd will be welcomed at the Jayamarthanda entrance of the palace by the district administration and Dasara organising committee members on August 26. The eleven-day ceremony will cost around Rs 14.25 crore rupees.
The Dasara celebrations will be inaugurated by renowned Kannada litterateur Chennavira Kanvavi on October 1 at Chamundi hills. He has consented to be part of the celebrations after a telephone conversation with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and an invite will be sent by the Dasara organizing committee to the Nadoja award winner, clarified Mahadevappa.
City likely to get more flights to attract tourists
“The State government will seek more flights to the city during the Dasara period to attract overseas as well as tourists from other parts of the country. A special plan will be put in place to attract foreign artists and a letter has been sent to Central government seeking approval,” said State tourism minister Priyank Kharge.
Like in previous years, this year’s Dasara too will have youth programs, children programs, cultural activities, sports including wrestling, film shows, still picture displays, art and crafts melas, food melas, so that Dasara will remain in the tourists’ memories. The ‘Tourist Dasara’ events will be held across various locations in the city, Kharge informed.
Security beefed up for Independence Day
In a meeting with the ministers and officials in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, city Police Commissioner and Superintendent of police, Mahadevappa instructed all concerned authorities to ensure security arrangements are in place for the 70th Independence Day celebrations of Aug 15. This has become important in the wake of recent blast at the district court premises in the city.
He also instructed the officials to maintain roads and complete other pending infrastructure works in the wake of forthcoming important celebrations in the city.
