Mysore is trying to hurry up with the last minute finishing touches for the nine-day long Dasara which is starting on September 28.
Though generally the Dasara lasts 10 days, this year it will be celebrated for only nine days, ending on October 6 with Vijaya Dasami procession and torch-light parade.
Hurried last minute dressing up of the city has become a common feature and this year too is no exception. Sayaji Rao Road, the procession route, is being readied with fresh asphalting in a hurry, while the work has come for criticism as ‘sub-standard’ by a civil society group, Mysore Against Corruption (MAC).
The Palace, from where the Vijaya Dasami procession commences on October 6 afternoon, has seen minor repairs and fresh coat of painting. The pillars of the gorgeous Durbar hall, the dome and other parts, including some old paintings at the northern gates, have been redone. The gardens have been spruced up. Worn out bulbs that illuminate the Palace during nine days have been replaced.
The celebrations will be formally inaugurated with worship of Goddess Chamundeswari, the deity of Mysore, at the temple on Chamundi Hills, on September 28 morning, by Udupi Pejawar Mutt Seer Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji.
Dasara, which has turned more a cultural showpiece as ‘Nada Habba’ or the State festival, comprises a number of activities. Dasara Exhibition, wrestling, sports, film festival, music-dance-drama programmes at selected centres including the Palace Grounds, folk dances, food festival among others.
Yuva Dasara or youth Dasara, flower show, vintage car rally, arrangement of dolls in houses, yoga and kite competitions are among the programmes that are slated during the period.
What adds great charm during the evenings is the illumination of the city when over a lakh bulbs of different sizes and shapes light up to convert Mysore into a city of lights. The illumination of the Palace and its surrounding grounds takes the cake, attracting hundreds of the visitors and music lovers.
Elephants are an integral part of the celebrations, in particular on the Vijaya Dasami day. This year 13 elephants will take part, majestic Balarama carrying the 750-kg golden howdah with the image of Goddess Chamundeswari from the Palace to the Banni Mantap grounds on October 6. Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda will have his maiden opportunity to inaugurate the procession at the Palace.
Transport, security and other arrangements to ensure an orderly and colourful Dasara have been drawn up elaborately. A temporary bus stand is set up at the Scouts’ and Guides’ Headquarters ground for buses plying between Mysore-Hunsur and H D Kote sections. South Western Railway will operate special trains between October 5 and 10, while KSRTC special buses to Mysore. The state government has exempted entry tax on tourist vehicles from other States coming to the city between September 28 and October 7. Police have made elaborate security arrangements, taking Central Industrial Security Force assistance. Restrictions have been imposed on vehicular movement in the city.
