The raging pandemic has put a big question mark over Mysore's 400-year-old celebrations
Every year, the symbolic ‘march’ of the elephants from their forest camp near Nagarahole to the Mysore palace signals the start of Dasara festivities. That event on October 1 was a simple affair—a pointer to a low-key Mysore Dasara beginning this weekend with COVID-19 framing the backdrop.
Karnataka’s Covid dvisory committee has recommended a ‘virtual’ Dasara this time so there’s no crowding. There are restrictions on the number of people attending the main events—for the opening ceremony, the limit advised is 200 people including dignitaries, officials, artistes and security staff. The grand finale, Jamboo Savari, on October 26 has been capped at 300 people.
Experts have recommended that the cultural programmes stretching over eight days be limited to two hours every evening and the gathering not exceeding 50 people. Besides, an RT-PCR negative test report will be mandatory for those attending the main events.
Mysore’s Dasara festivities trace back to 1610, making it the city’s biggest draw for tourists. But there have been several years when the festivities and expenses were toned down—the abolition of the privy purse cast a shadow on the celebrations in early 1970s. Closer still, hard times such as droughts or natural calamities have dampened the event. This year, the Karnataka government has scaled down expenditure to Rs 10 crore, a fifth of the usual budget.
By Ajay Sukumaran in Bangalore