Karnataka’s famed Dasara festival begins soon and the government is going all out to make it an event to remember.
This Wednesday, September 28, one of Karnataka's most popular tourist attractions, Mysore Dasara which completes 401 years, begins. For the next 10 days, till October 6, the city will come alive with dance and music performances, flower and doll shows, wrestling, food and film festival, a Dasara exhibition and much more.
As a prelude to Dasara, the district administration has launched a website, www.mysoredasara.gov.in, for visitors to plan their itinerary. Lakhs of tourists, domestic and international, are expected to turn up. "Last year, Mysore Dasara generated a revenue of Rs 22.87 lakh. This year, we expect much more since our website allows tourists to book online," says an official from Mysore Palace Board. Mysore Palace, built in 1912 in Indo-Saracenic style, is on a marketing blitzkrieg since its interactive website www.mysorepalace.tv was launched in 2010. Ever since the 3D virtual tour was launched, about 250,000 tourists have been visiting Mysore Palace every month which stays lit up in the evenings through the 10-day event. Given the draw of the event, this year the first mobile site dedicated to Mysore Dasara, m.mysoredasara.net, has also been launched to keep the users updated about the festival.
Though Dussehra is celebrated with grandeur across India, Mysore Dasara has earned the sobriquet of Naada Habba, or state festival, in Karnataka. The state's flagship festival is marketed with pre-packaged cultural attractions handled by a dedicated team of officials. "We received 800 applicants this year, of which around 138 nationally reputed artistes have been chosen," says Dr CG Betsurmath, deputy special officer, Dasara Cultural Sub-Committee. Among those who will perform are sarod player Rajeev Taranath, Ulhas Kashalkar, Usha Mangeshkar, Daagar brothers, Carnatic vocalist Nithyasri Mahadevan and table player Bikram Ghosh. "Besides Mysore Palace, other venues like Jaganmohan Palace, Kalamandira, Gaana Bharati and Nadabrahma will also host cultural programmes," says Betsurmath. Cultural troupes from 54 countries are also expected to showcase their talent. Wrestling and sports activities are also on the agenda.
The celebrations will begin by invoking the blessings of goddess Chamundeshwari in the presence of Srikantadatta Narasimharaajawadiyar, the scion of the Wadiyar dynasty and his wife, Pramoda Devi. The tradition of celebrating Dasara in Mysore dates back to 1610, when the first such festival was held by Raja Wadiyar I. The celebrations include a majestic procession and a torchlight parade. The 10th day of Dasara, or Vijayadashami, marks the grand Dasara procession also called Jumboo Savari, estimated to attract 6 lakh visitors. "Generations have watched the procession, which comprises folk dances, police band and a colourful tableau. This year's tableau includes the cultural nuances associated with the 30 zillas of Karnataka. The theme is Karnataka Kala Vaibhava," says PA Gopal, special committee, tableaux, Mysore Dasara.
The crowd-puller is the idol of Chamundeshwari, carried in a Golden howdah weighing over 750 kg atop the royal elephant. The procession, which commences from Mysore Palace, culminates at Bannimantap Grounds. The Torchlight Parade marks the finale, when a fireworks display illuminates the Mysore skyline.
All this will be held amidst tight security -7,000 security personnel will be on the job, along with the city police. This Dasara, the administration will also sell gold cards, each of which will allow free admission to two people to Mysore's tourist hotspots, along with discounts on room rent and restaurant charges. While hotels hope to clock full occupancy, this year foreigners can soak in the Mysorean flavour through homestay facilities, a state government initiative.