Is Srirangapatna Dasara sidelined?

Dasara means celebrations, pomp and gaiety in the heritage city of Mysore. But, in Srirangapatna, which is the place of origin for Mysore Dasara, festivities have turned into a lacklustre affair.

The preparations for the festival is just a mechanical affair for the officials. Even though the countdown has begun for the festival to be inaugurated on October 20, the works are progressing at a snail’s pace.

The time-table, printing of invitation cards and other works have not completed. The historic temples and monuments in Srirangapatna, which have to see a fresh coat of paint — complemented with illumination — by now are still awaiting arrangements.

The roads too remain in a pathetic condition and basic amenities like drinking water and toilet facilities are missing.

As usual, several committees have been formed for conducting the festival smoothly and there are complaints against the. No meetings have been convened with local organisations, artistes and general public to inform about the preparations, complain locals.

Apart from releasing a logo and a couple of meetings held, there is no progress. Srirangapatna Dasara, which got Rs 50 lakh last year, has received only Rs 25 lakh this year.

The temples and historical places have to see development only during Dasara. But, the chanting of ‘simple Dasara’ has affected it. The current list comprises display of fireworks, kavi goshti, mahila sambrama, books expo and cultural programmes.

The locals’ appeal to involve local artistes along with others has continued this year also. The jumbos carry an idol of Chamundeshwari from Bannimantap in Kiranguru to Ranganathaswamy temple. But till date, there is no information on how many jumbos would participate this year.