JOIN USCarnival comes calling to Mysuru
For the first time in Mysuru, a carnival will be taken out in the city on December 29. A major attraction at the carnival is the participation of a 30 member girl band from Switzerland, Kariyak.
Speaking at a press meet, Deputy Commissioner, C Shikha said that the programmes are part of the tourism promotion event, ‘December to Remember’ in Mysuru city. Apart from the carnival, which is expected to be the main attraction of the tourism promotion activities, several cultural programmes are also scheduled throughout the month.
The carnival will start from Balarama Gate of Amba Vilas Palace, and move along DD Urs Road and culminate at Oval Grounds.
Heritage
The carnival, drawing inspiration from similar carnivals around the country will depict the heritage of Mysuru, with several folk troupes participating, Shikha said.
Apart from the carnival, cultural programmes will be held at Open Air Theatre, University of Mysore premises from December 27 to 30.
Heritage walk for students, local tourists and foreigners will be organised by the Department of Archaeology and Museums from December 25 to 30.
The Mysuru Cake Utsav, will be held at Nanjaraj Bahadur Choultry on December 27 and 28, carol singing competition at St Philomena’s Church on December 26 and ‘Boating Festival’ will be held at Karanji lake on December 26, she said.
Extended weekend
She said that the programmes have been scheduled, noting that it would be a extended weekend from December 24. Noting that ‘December to Remember’ programme was held last year too, she said that the district administration was trying to attract more foreign tourists for the events.
“There were complaints that no cultural activities take place in the city after Dasara. Therefore, monthly cultural programmes are being held to promote tourism,” she said.
While the district administration had sought Rs 25 lakh from the Department of Tourism for the events, she said that they were likely to receive Rs 10 lakh from it. “We are raising donations and seeking sponsorships for the programmes,” she said.
Awareness
During the month, a programme is also being held to generate awareness on cleanliness. Officials of the district administration and local civic bodies will climb Chamundi Hill, cleaning it along the way. After the climb, dustbins to segregate waste will be distributed to 370 families atop Chamundi Hill, she added. The programme is scheduled to be held on December 20.