M.A. SRIRAM

Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who is in charge of the Dasara festivities this year.

THE world-famous Mysore Dasara is a 10-day-long festival that was first started by the Vijayanagar kings in the 15th century. The tradition was continued by the Wodeyars of Mysore after the fall of the Vijayanagar kingdom. After Independence, the State government took over the task of conducting the festivities.

Spearheading this year’s efforts is Shobha Karandlaje, the Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. Excerpts from an interview she gave Frontline on the plans for this year’s Dasara.

The festivities will have a rural, farmer’s flavour. We are going to showcase the age-old traditional farming methods from different parts of India, highlight organic farming, and exhibit Indian breeds of cattle. We want to revive traditional farming methods. ‘Rural Dasara’ will also be held in six taluks of Mysore district. The focus will also be on women and children.

A special event will showcase the activities of self-help groups, women’s organisations and children, including those with special needs.

I have also personally invited the entire Mysore royal family to take part in the festivities. The Maharaja does play a prominent role, and his sisters and other family members also have much to contribute. Many of them told me that their children were not aware of the various festivities.

The emphasis will be on rural folk dances and singing. We want to bring to the public’s notice rural performers who are very good but find no outlet for their talent and creativity. We will also have some of the best-known names – Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Yesudas, Jagjit Singh, Ronu Mazumdar and Anuradha Paudwal – performing against the backdrop of the Mysore Palace.

No, not really true. This year we are expecting around 30 lakh tourists.

There is the constraint regarding accommodation, but we are taking steps to address this. My government is thinking of acquiring and earmarking some land exclusively for the construction of hotels. We are also planning to set up a mono rail or tram that will link all the important tourist spots in and around Mysore. This year Volvo buses will ply exclusively between the tourist spots. The State road transport undertaking has made arrangements for tourists to buy one token to visit all the tourist spots; it will cover food as well.

As promised in the State budget, Rs.10 crore has been reserved for this year’s Dasara. Of this, Rs 2.5 crore will be used for the Dasara programmes and the rest for other works.

Besides highlighting the festivities on our website, we have launched a media campaign. At the recent ‘AKKA ’ [Association of Kannada Kootas of America] Conference 2008 in Chicago, the [Karnataka] Chief Minister made a presentation on the festivities. We also distributed CDs.

At designated information kiosks we will be distributing the city’s maps, circuit maps [highlighting places of tourist interest in the surrounding districts] and important brochures like the compendium of information about Mysore.

We are also taking steps to encourage rural folk to visit places of tourist interest and the Dasara programmes by offering concessional rates of entry. Transport facilities and food will also be provided at concessional rates.

We are planning a light-and-sound show at Srirangapatna.