Mysuru: The state government has decided to hold the world famous Mysuru Dasara in a simple manner owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A high-level meeting, chaired by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, in Bengaluru came to the conclusion that the Dasara celebration this year must be a low key affair, focusing only on the traditional rituals and doing away with the glitz and grandeur.
The highlight of Dasara, the Gaja Payana/ Jumboo Savari or the ‘elephant parade’ too has undergone changes. A total of ten elephants used to take part in the event every year, but this time the number of elephants has been brought down to five.
The corona warriors will take centre stage during the inauguration of the Dasara festival this year, as the government has decided to pay respects to the frontline health workers and other corona warriors.
Events like Food festival, Yuva Dasara, Sports meet, cultural events will be cancelled this year.
A sum of Rs 10 cr will be released for the event, which will be formally kickstarted in Chamundeshwari temple. The festival will be held in the Mysuru Palace premises exclusively.
This year, the sellers and vendors will be asked to lay emphasis on sales of local products and do away with Chinese products, to remain in sync with the PM Modi’s call to be ‘Vocal for Local’.
DCMs Govind Karjol, Dr Ashwath Narayan, Laxman Savadi, Minister CT Ravi, ST Somashekar among others were present.
