Mysuru: A week after the grand Dasara Jamboo Savari, Mysuru continues to witness a surge of visitors, with people thronging the city’s illuminated roads ahead of the October 31 deadline. The extended illumination has kept the festive atmosphere alive but has also resulted in traffic congestion on several major roads.

The post-Dasara tourist rush follows the state government’s decision to extend the city’s illumination by 10 days to promote tourism and give residents and visitors more time to enjoy the decorative lights. With only three days remaining before the illumination ends, many local residents are also making the most of the opportunity to take evening outings with family and friends.

While some residents have welcomed the extension, saying it has sustained the Dasara atmosphere and boosted business for local vendors, others feel that the extension was unnecessary and has added to traffic problems.

Extended illumination keeps Dasara spirit alive

The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) had originally planned the Dasara illumination from October 11 to 21. However, after witnessing the lighting arrangements, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced a 10-day extension, allowing the attractions to remain lit until October 31.

The extension was intended to encourage tourism and provide more opportunities for families and travellers to experience Mysuru’s illuminated streets after the main festival celebrations.

There are no indications of a further extension, and the illumination is scheduled to conclude on October 31.

For many visitors, the extended period has offered an opportunity to enjoy the city’s decorations without the usual Dasara crowds.

“Dasara may be over, but Mysuru’s magic is still there,” said Nivedita, an engineering student.

She said she and a group of friends visited Devaraj Urs Road and LIC Millennium Circle to enjoy the illumination.

“We got to experience the Dasara lighting without the usual festive rush. Mysuru is beautiful and totally different at night. The ‘Geethapodesha’ chariot is attracting huge crowds,” she said.

Traffic congestion frustrates commuters

The continuing crowds, however, have created difficulties for motorists, particularly on the main roads where visitors frequently stop to take photographs and record videos.

Sachin, an employee of a private factory in Nanjangud, said traffic density had increased considerably and congestion continued late into the night.

“It takes almost half an hour to travel on each main road because people stop to take pictures and record videos. Although it is irritating, what can be done? We experience this every year,” he said.

The concentration of visitors at popular illumination spots has made it difficult for traffic to move smoothly. Vehicles stopping along the roads and crowds gathering in the middle of the streets for photographs have added to the congestion.

Traffic police personnel have been working to regulate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. They have been making repeated announcements over public-address systems, asking motorists not to stop their vehicles on the roads and requesting visitors to avoid standing in the middle of traffic to take photographs.

LIC Millennium Circle turns into a mini fair

LIC Millennium Circle has emerged as one of the busiest attractions during the extended illumination period. The area has temporarily taken on the appearance of a mini fair, with food stalls and vendors drawing visitors.

Carts selling churmuri, bajji, bonda, roasted corn and cut fruits have reported brisk business as families and groups of friends gather to enjoy the evening.

Balloon vendors are also doing good business, with balloons priced between Rs 50 and Rs 100. Visitors carrying bunches of balloons and posing for photographs against the illuminated streets have become a familiar sight.

The increased footfall has provided an opportunity for small vendors to benefit from the post-Dasara tourist activity.

Mixed response to the extension

The extended illumination has drawn different reactions from residents. While tourism-related businesses and street vendors have benefited from the continued crowds, commuters have had to deal with longer travel times and traffic restrictions.

For visitors, the additional days have offered a chance to enjoy Mysuru’s festive decorations beyond the main Dasara celebrations. For regular commuters, however, the heavy evening crowds have made navigating the city more challenging.

With the illumination scheduled to end on October 31, Mysuru’s main roads are likely to remain busy as residents and tourists make their final visits to the decorated stretches.