Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said tableaux from neighbouring States may participate in the Mysuru Dasara procession this year, as part of an initiative to bring changes to the way the annual festival is organised.
Speaking to reporters on October 3 ahead of the Praja Seva Abhiyana at Periyapatna, Shivakumar said the respective State Governments would be requested to send tableaux showcasing their culture and traditions.
Neighbouring states invited to participate
Shivakumar said the proposal was based on the close social and economic links between Karnataka and its neighbouring States.
“Our water goes to neighbouring States, people from neighbouring States come to our State, and our vegetables are supplied to these States. When this is the case, let the neighbouring States also participate in Dasara by bringing their tableaux showcasing their culture,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said he had invited the Chief Ministers of southern States to attend the Mysuru Dasara celebrations and was in touch with them regarding their participation.
The proposal would add an inter-State cultural element to the Dasara procession, traditionally known for showcasing Karnataka’s heritage, folk traditions and cultural diversity.
Air show proposal under consideration
Shivakumar also expressed confidence that an air show would be held during this year’s Dasara festivities.
He said the State Government had requested the Defence Minister to consider its proposal for an air show as part of the celebrations.
The Defence Ministry has also been requested to send personnel from the armed forces to participate in the Dasara procession, he said.
According to the Chief Minister, the participation of armed forces personnel would provide an opportunity for youngsters to witness their role and would help inculcate discipline among them.
The proposed air show, however, remains subject to approval from the Defence Ministry.
Tibetan community to get cultural platform
The Chief Minister said officials had been instructed to provide an opportunity for Tibetans settled in Bylakuppe near Periyapatna to present a cultural performance during Dasara.
Bylakuppe, in Mysuru district, is home to a significant Tibetan settlement and is known for its Tibetan monasteries and cultural institutions.
The inclusion of a Tibetan cultural performance would add another community’s traditions to the wider cultural programme planned around Dasara.
Film industry to participate
Shivakumar said film stars, including upcoming actors and actresses, would also participate in the Dasara procession.
He added that the Kannada film industry would be represented during the festivities, with the Chamber of Commerce agreeing to support the initiative.
The participation of film personalities is expected to bring another dimension to the celebrations, alongside the traditional cultural and religious programmes associated with Mysuru Dasara.
This year’s festivities are scheduled to feature a range of cultural activities, with the State Government seeking broader participation from different communities and institutions.
Drought situation remains a major concern
While speaking about Dasara preparations, Shivakumar also addressed Karnataka’s drought situation.
He said 207 of the State’s 240 taluks had been declared drought-affected and described the prevailing situation as the worst in 150 years.
The drought assessment has gained importance with Central teams currently visiting Karnataka to examine the ground situation. Three Central teams are conducting assessments across different parts of the State, looking at factors including crop losses and water scarcity.
On October 3, Shivakumar met the Central Inter-Ministerial Drought Assessment Team headed by Ajit Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary in the Union Agriculture Ministry. The State government briefed the team on rainfall deficits, crop losses, drinking water shortages and fodder availability.
The Central assessment is expected to help determine the extent of drought-related damage and the relief assistance that may be considered for Karnataka.
Dasara plans combine culture and wider participation
The proposed participation of neighbouring States, Tibetan cultural groups, armed forces personnel and Kannada film personalities reflects the State Government’s plans to broaden the cultural scope of Mysuru Dasara this year.
The proposal for neighbouring States to bring tableaux would particularly provide an opportunity to showcase cultural traditions from across southern India during one of Karnataka’s most prominent annual festivals.
At the same time, the government’s preparations are taking place against the backdrop of a severe drought situation, with Central teams assessing conditions across the State and Karnataka seeking relief for affected areas.