Pramesh S Jain
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar on Saturday directed officials to ensure that the Mysuru Dasara celebrations are held on a grand scale without allowing politics to overshadow the festival.
He said the royal family,religious leaders and representatives of various communities should be invited without any distinction based on caste or religion, while emphasizing the need for collective participation in the celebrations.
“Dasara should be held grandly without giving room for politics.Five elephants,including Dhananjaya and Ekalavya,have been trained to carry the Ambari.Officials have been instructed to provide them with further training,”Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a Dasara progress review meeting at the Mysuru Zilla Panchayat auditorium,he said the royal family must be invited respectfully and that no action should be taken that could hurt anyone’s position or self-respect.
“Everyone must be taken along together. Instructions have been given to conduct Dasara in a grand manner without giving room for politics,”he said.
Asian Games medalists to be honoured:
Shivakumar directed the authorities to invite and honour athletes from Karnataka who won medals at the Asian Games during the Dasara Sports Meet.
Ministers to support District In-charge Minister:
He directed all ministers to support the District In-charge Minister during the 11-day Dasara celebrations.
“For all eleven days of Dasara, two ministers per day must work in support of the District In-charge Minister. This has been decided to prevent excessive pressure on one individual. Dasara events must be conducted based on everyone’s suggestions,” he said.
No private flex banners:
The Chief Minister directed officials not to allow private flex banners anywhere in Mysuru during the festival.
“No private flex banners should be allowed anywhere in the city.No photographs should be displayed,including mine.
Only the Dasara festival should be celebrated with grandeur.The beauty of Dasara must not be ruined under any circumstances,”he said.
Illumination for 21 days:
He said special illumination would be arranged across Mysuru for 21 days this year.
“Food melas should be organised at various locations, including Yuva Dasara and Kambala.Drinking water and toilet facilities must be provided at various places. Around two lakh people are expected to attend Yuva Dasara this time,”he said.
Hotels warned against overcharging tourists:
Shivakumar said hotels had been instructed not to overcharge tourists and to collect reasonable rates.
“Tourists should not be exploited under any circumstances.Hotels have been instructed to charge reasonable amounts,”he said.
Special arrangements for Jamboo Savari :
The Chief Minister said ambassadors from various countries had been invited for the celebrations and that separate seating arrangements would be made for them.
“For those watching the Jamboo Savari by purchasing tickets,proper seating arrangements must be made.
Seats should be numbered and names assigned to them.
There should be no unauthorised seating.The time by which people must enter should also be clearly specified,”he said.
He also directed officials to ensure that invitation cards reach all MLAs,MLCs and ministers.
Diverse cultural troupes :
Shivakumar directed officials to ensure that the same cultural troupes are not repeatedly featured in the Dasara procession.
“During the Dasara procession, identical troupes should not be repeated. Opportunities should be given to a diverse range of cultural teams.Tableau teams must also maintain discipline,”he said.
He added that artists and those accompanying the cultural troupes should not use mobile phones during the procession and that participants should wear uniform attire.
Gavisiddheshwara Swamiji to inaugurate Dasara :
The district administration will travel on Sunday to invite Gavisiddheshwara Swamiji to inaugurate this year’s Dasara celebrations,Shivakumar said.
“Instructions have been issued to invite heads of mutts and spiritual leaders from all religions,including Christian,Buddhist,Sikh and minority communities, without distinction of caste or religion.Separate seating arrangements will be made for religious dignitaries,”he said.
Tibetans,neighbouring states invited to participate:
The Chief Minister said the Tibetan community had been permitted to present a tableau during the Dasara procession.
Letters have also been sent to neighbouring states, including Kerala,Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, inviting them to send tableaux depicting their respective heritage.
A separate tableau depicting the history of Mangaluru has also been proposed.
Members of the film industry have been invited to participate in the celebrations,and communication has been held with actor and former minister Jayamala in this regard,he said.
Separate tableau for Tulunadu :
Shivakumar said a separate tableau showcasing the culture and heritage of Tulunadu would be included in the celebrations.
“Tulunadu has a rich history.Respecting their emotional sentiments, an invitation has been extended to prepare a separate tableau showcasing their culture,”he said.
Pourakarmikas to be honoured :
The Chief Minister said pourakarmikas engaged in sanitation work during Dasara would be honoured.
“Pourakarmikas who carry out sanitation work during Dasara are an asset to the nation and will be duly honoured,”he said.
He added that Dasara celebrations in Chamarajanagar, Madikeri and Srirangapatna would be held as usual.
A historic drone show would also be organised as part of the festivities,he said.
Army,Navy and Air Force to participate in Jamboo Savari:
Shivakumar said teams from the Army,Navy and Air Force had agreed to participate in the Jamboo Savari.
“The discipline of the Army,Navy and Air Force should serve as an example to everyone.Kambala should be held according to tradition,”he said.
He also directed officials to install LED screens at various locations to facilitate live viewing of the celebrations and reiterated that flex banners should not be put up on the streets.
Ambari elephants receive further training :
The Chief Minister said five elephants had been trained to carry the Ambari and that further training would be provided to ensure their readiness for the procession.
He also stressed that all arrangements for the Jamboo Savari, including seating,entry timings,ticketing and invitations,should be managed systematically to ensure a smooth and grand Dasara celebration.
