Minister promises Rs 50 lakh for Madikeri Dasara

Simplicity and tradition will mark this year’s Madikeri Dasara, said District-In-charge Minister Sa Ra Mahesh.

Chairing a preparatory meeting on Madikeri Dasara here on Monday, he said that a grant of Rs 50 lakh will be sanctioned for Madikeri Dasara and Rs 25 lakh for Gonikoppa Dasara celebrations.

The chief minister had earlier decided to celebrate Dasara in Mysuru and Kodagu in a grand way. But after the floods in Kodagu, it was decided to observe it in a simple and traditional manner.

“Villages in eight gram panchayats are in distress. Tourism of the district has seen a fall. Therefore, raising funds from people is not advisable. The government will provide all assistance towards simple Dasara celebrations,” said Sa Ra Mahesh.

Resort and Homestay association district advisor Chidvilas said that the preparatory meeting should have been conducted 15 days earlier. Madikeri Dasara is not all about Dashamantapa procession. Around 1 lakh tourists visit the city, he said and suggested conducting cultural programmes.

Dashamantapa committee chairman Ravikumar said that during epidemics in Madikeri, the committee had made a pledge before the four Shakti Devata Goddesses to offer a worship through Karaga procession. Shelving Dasara is not prudent. Dashamantapa procession should be taken out as per the tradition.

MLA K G Bopaiah, M P Appacchu Ranja, MLC Veena Acchaiah, CMC president Kaveramma Somanna, district Superintendent of Police Sumana D Pannekara were present.