Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the 90-day Dasara Exhibition at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds in Mysuru on October 11, promising visitors three months of shopping, entertainment and cultural attractions.
The exhibition features 153 commercial stalls, 40 food stalls and around 45 amusement rides. It will remain open to the public daily from 3 pm to 10 pm for the next 90 days.
Defence Forces and ISRO exhibitions introduced
For the first time, visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Another 34 stalls have been set up to showcase the work of various Central and State Government departments, corporations and authorities.
The displays aim to offer visitors a mix of information, learning and entertainment alongside the exhibition’s shopping and leisure facilities.
Musical fountain and themed attractions
Among the major attractions are the Aziz Sait Musical Fountain, Dasara Universe, Disneyland and Dragon Pond. The musical fountain combines dancing water jets with colourful lighting and music.
On the opening day, the fountain presented a special show featuring the national anthem and the popular Kannada song ‘Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku’, composed by Hamsalekha and associated with actor Dr. Rajkumar.
Special music bands from the Indian Navy and Air Force also performed at the venue for the first time. Impressed by their performances, the Chief Minister suggested that the bands could perform at the exhibition and Mysore Palace premises from next year, helping more visitors experience military music.
Ministers and officials attend inauguration
The inauguration was attended by District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George, Animal Husbandry and Sericulture Minister C. Puttarangashetty, and Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi.
MLAs K. Harishgowda and T.S. Srivatsa, Ambedkar Development Corporation Chairman Narendra, Karnataka Exhibition Authority Chairman Ayub Khan, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy and other officials were also present.
With its commercial stalls, food options, amusement rides, government displays and entertainment programmes, the Dasara Exhibition is set to remain one of Mysuru’s attractions during the festive season and beyond.