Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said tableaux from neighbouring States may participate in the Mysuru Dasara procession this year, with the respective State governments being requested to showcase their culture and traditions.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, ahead of the Praja Seva campaign at Periyapatna, Mr. Shivakumar said the initiative was aimed at bringing changes to the way Dasara was organised.
“Our water goes to neighbouring States, people from neighbouring States come to our State, and our vegetables are supplied to these States. When this is the case, let the neighbouring States also participate in Dasara by bringing their tableaux and showcasing their culture,” he said.
Mr. Shivakumar said he had requested the Chief Ministers of the southern States to attend the Mysuru Dasara festivities and was in touch with them to confirm their participation.
Air show
Expressing confidence that an air show would be held during the Dasara, the Chief Minister said he had requested the Defence Minister to consider the State government’s proposal.
He said the Defence Ministry had also been requested to send personnel from the armed forces to participate in the Dasara procession. Their participation, he said, would motivate youngsters and help inculcate discipline among them.
Mr. Shivakumar said he had instructed officials to provide an opportunity to Tibetans settled in Bylakuppe near Periyapatna to present a cultural performance during Dasara.
He said that film stars, including upcoming actors and actresses, would participate in the Dasara procession. The Kannada film industry would be represented during the festivities, he added, noting that the Chamber of Commerce had agreed to support the initiative.
Drought situation
Mr. Shivakumar said 217 of the State’s 240 taluks had been declared drought-affected and described the prevailing situation as the worst in the last 150 years.
A Central team had arrived in Karnataka to assess the situation, and three teams would tour different parts of the State, he said. “I have spoken to the Central team and requested them to tour the State in detail,” he added.
