MYSURU: Around 1,000 artists working on tableaux for the Mysuru Dasara Jumboo Savari are facing a shortage of basic facilities at the APMC Yard in Bandipalya, raising concerns over the timely completion of the displays and their participation in the procession rehearsal.

The artists are working on 53 tableaux representing various government departments, corporations, boards, Zilla Panchayats, the Indian Army and the Navy. However, they have alleged that essential amenities, including toilets, drinking water, electricity and shelter, have not been adequately provided at the worksite.

The difficulties have been compounded by overnight rain, which has damaged artwork and forced artists to repeat portions of their work. With the procession approaching, the artists have urged the district administration and the Dasara Tableaux Sub-Committee to address their concerns.

One toilet for around 1,000 artists

One of the major concerns at the Bandipalya worksite is the lack of toilet facilities. only one toilet is available for approximately 1,000 people working at the venue.

An artist said long queues make it difficult for workers to access the facility, with each visit reportedly taking nearly an hour before they can return to their work.

The artists have also highlighted the absence of adequate drinking water, electricity and shelter. These shortcomings have made it harder for teams working long hours to complete their tableaux within the stipulated deadline.

Rain damages artwork and delays work

The lack of proper shelter has left the tableaux vulnerable to weather conditions. Overnight rain over several days damaged paintings and other decorative work, forcing artists to redo portions of the displays.

Artists said they generally need at least 20 days to complete a tableau, but late issuance of work orders left them with only around 10 days this year.

The combination of limited time and rain has added to the pressure on teams preparing the elaborate displays. Wet surfaces and adhesive that fails to dry properly have further slowed progress.

Open drains and mosquitoes add to difficulties

The worksite is located close to open sewage drains, creating additional problems for the artists. Although waste has reportedly been cleared from the drains, it has been left piled up along their sides, causing a foul smell.

Mosquitoes have also become a major nuisance, according to the artists. They said fogging operations that were carried out during previous years had not taken place this year, making it difficult for them to rest at night.

The artists have called for better sanitation and measures to improve conditions around the worksite so they can continue preparing the tableaux without these additional difficulties.

Rehearsal participation in doubt

The delays have raised doubts about whether all tableaux will be ready for the Jumboo Savari rehearsal. Artists said the administration had asked them to submit the displays by October 19, but several teams were still working to complete them.

Late work orders and weather-related damage have contributed to the delays. The artists fear that the limited time remaining could affect the finishing and readiness of some tableaux.

Artists seek security for tableaux and materials

Security is another concern at both the Bandipalya worksite and the Torchlight Parade Grounds in Bannimantap, where the tableaux are taken for the Jumboo Savari.

Artists said visitors sometimes enter the work area to see the displays before the procession, damaging artwork and forcing teams to undertake last-minute repairs. They have requested security personnel to prevent unauthorised entry and protect the finished tableaux.

They have also expressed concern about the safety of artists and valuable materials, including metal components used in constructing the displays. The artists want the authorities to provide adequate security during the final stages of preparation and at the procession venue.

With the Jumboo Savari scheduled for October 21, the artists’ concerns underline the need for timely logistical support, basic amenities and security arrangements to ensure the tableaux are completed and presented as planned.