JOIN USThe change in Dasara schedule by the district-level Dasara Executive Committee has drawn flak from different quarters.
While the Arasu Mandali has urged the government to revert to the previous schedule, historian P V Nanjaraj Urs has questioned the credentials of the government.
H D Naveen Raj Urs, president of Arasu Mandali, an association of Arasus (Urs), the clan to which the Wadiyars, the erstwhile rulers of Mysore state (now Mysuru) belong to, told Deccan Herald, the change in event to hold Jamboo Savari on October 22, is sure to clash with the private Jamboo Savari of the erstwhile royal family and also cause confusion among the people.
Besides the erstwhile royal family, it will affect tourists. This calls for a serious planning on the part of the government, giving due importance to people’s interest. It would be better to go ahead with the earlier schedule of observing Jamboo Savari on October 23, he said.
Without taking any names, Naveen Raj Urs questioned, “How can those who speak against superstitions take such decisions?”
Historian P V Nanjaraj Urs regretted that the government has bowed to the advise of astrologers, thus embracing the long-resented beliefs and practices.
Quoting from history, Urs said there are instances of celebrating both Ayudha Puja and Jamboo Savari by the erstwhile rulers. However, it is not acceptable on the part of the government. As decided earlier, it would be better to observe Jamboo Savari on October 23, Urs added.
On Friday, Revenue and District in-charge Minister V Srinivas Prasad had announced the change in dates.
According to the new schedule, Navaratri would start on October 13 against October 14 as decided earlier and Jamboo Savari on October 22 against October 23.