Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said it has been decided to celebrate “Nada Habba” (state festival) Mysuru Dussehra in a grand and meaningful manner this year in view of good rains in the state. The Dussehra festival will be celebrated from October 3 to 12. He was speaking to reporters after a high-level meeting on ‘Nada Habba Mysuru Dussehra – 2024’ here today. “Last year it was not possible to celebrate the festival in a grand manner due to drought. This time there has been good rain across the state and almost all the water reservoirs are full. In this backdrop, it has been decided to celebrate Dussehra as a people’s festival,” Siddaramaiah said.
He said while Rs 30 crore was given for Dussehra celebrations last year, this time the necessary grants would be provided to celebrate it with grandeur. He also directed that the tableaux participating in the Dussehra Jumboo Sawari (journey of a dozen decorated elephants) should be more attractive, meaningful and diverse. Noting that the Dussehra celebrations will begin on October 3 at 9.15 am at Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, the CM said that instructions have been given to start the exhibition on the day of Dussehra inauguration itself and departmental secretaries have been directed to arrange stalls on the day of inauguration itself.
He said that the stalls of all departments in the exhibition should display the achievements and guaranteed projects of the government. As per tradition, after the ‘Sharana Navarathri’ celebrations for 9 days, the Jumboo Sawari will be taken out on the 10th day, the CM said that on the day of Jumboo Sawari (October 12), the “Nandi Dhwaj” will be worshipped between 1.41 pm and 2.10 pm and then the procession will start with the puja from 4 pm. Last year, the lighting at the famous Mysuru Palace and major buildings in the city was extended for a week for the convenience of tourists. This time it has been decided to continue the lighting for 21 days after Dussehra. A large number of “tourist friends” and home guards will be deployed to assist tourists. The police department has been instructed to make preparations so that there is no lapse in parking and security arrangements. He further said, “Cultural programmes, exhibitions, lighting, food fair and other programmes should be organised in a very systematic and meaningful manner. Local artists should be given more opportunities as local people should be encouraged. Instructions have been given to organise programmes to give a new look to Dussehra.” The Chief Minister also said that he has been authorised to decide who will inaugurate the Dussehra festival.
