'Raitha Darshana' attracting villagers to Mysore

He has never seen prominent places like Chamundi hills or other tourists spots in his life time and knew nothing about what is going on during dasara celebrations in Mysore.

Though he has been engaged in busy farming activities, milching cows and tilling all these days, he has always aspired to come to the city. ‘Raitha Darsana’ is his dream come true.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Ramegowda was elated to see Chamundi hills, its pristine beauty and receive the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysore. “I couldn’t come to Mysore alone since I am illiterate. Though I have three children, they have never thought it important to bring me here,” he said.      

Similar was the case with many a villager who visited the city to witness the Dasara festivities. Sakamma, a 48-year-old widow from Neralakere in Mandya district, also expressed her joy to have visited to city. She never visited Mysore and didn’t know about its historical heritage structures as she lost her husband at a very young age. Her husband was also not in a position to take her to Mysore as he was a poor labourer.

Thousands of people who reside in rural areas echoed similar views during their visit to Chamundi hills organised as part of ‘Raitha Darshana’ programme. The villagers were thankful to the organisers for making their dream come true.

Though the inflow of tourists is very less for Dasara celebrations this year due to the fear created by H1N1 and other epidemics, prominent places like Mysore palace, Zoo and other places witnessed huge rush due to the visit of villagers under the ‘Raitha Darsana’ programme.

360 buses

As part of the programme, KSRTC is running 360 buses to bring around 25,000 people from five districts— Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan and Kodagu districts from September 20 to 25 in two batches, for enabling them to see important tourist places of Mysore as well as to witness the Dasara cultural programmes. Every person has to pay Rs 50 which comprises their journey and food expenses. The revenue authorities have been entrusted with the task of organising the villagers issued the pass to those interested. Preference is given for aged, women, school children and physically challenged persons.