Arizona Tribune - Karnataka Rules Out Smaller Mysuru Dasara Despite Drought

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has ruled out reducing the scale of this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations because of drought. Speaking in Mysuru on August 29, he said the festival attracts visitors and supports tourism and hospitality businesses across the state.

Shivakumar urged companies and other stakeholders that benefit from Dasara to work with the government and district administration. Their assistance, he said, should help make the celebrations more attractive rather than limiting them in response to dry conditions.

The state is considering several changes intended to give the procession a new dimension. The Chief Minister said a meeting would be called soon to examine the proposals and settle the program.

He has asked the Indian Army and Air Force to participate in the procession. Shivakumar also approached Film Chamber president and actor Jayamala about organizing a tableau that would bring film personalities into the event.

Another planned change concerns the presentation of folk arts. The Chief Minister said organizers should avoid multiple small teams performing the same tradition. Artists representing a single form should instead appear as one larger group, reducing repetition within the procession.

Shivakumar said he had conveyed those instructions to the Deputy Commissioner and the Department of Kannada and Culture. He also called for greater discipline during the Jamboo Savari, the central elephant procession associated with Mysuru Dasara.

A final decision has not been made on adding Kambala, the traditional buffalo race, to the festivities. Shivakumar rejected claims that staging it would necessarily damage the environment or waste large amounts of water. He said no trees would be cut and water use would not be excessive.

The Chief Minister added that Kambala was not a prestige question for him, indicating that the decision would rest on the government’s assessment rather than personal commitment.

The administration has also yet to name the chief guest who will inaugurate the festival atop Chamundi Hill. Shivakumar said the government would discuss the selection and announce it later. The first group of Dasara elephants arrived at Mysuru Palace on August 28 as preparations continued.

T.Sanchez--AT