Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, June 28: In a notable departure from tradition, the 2025 edition of Mysuru Dasara will be celebrated over 11 days, starting from September 22, with the grand Jamboo Savari and Vijayadashami falling on October 2.

Chairing a high-level preparatory meeting on Saturday at Vidhana Soudha, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed officials to ensure the festival remains rooted in its historical and cultural significance, while maintaining public convenience and safety.

“This is not about extravagant displays. Spending money without purpose is not grandeur,” the chief minister remarked. “We must uphold the legacy and dignity of Dasara while managing it with responsibility and vision.”

He added that the extended schedule offers greater opportunity to highlight Karnataka’s heritage, provided the focus remains on meaningful programming and crowd management.

Key directives and themes:

• Favourable conditions for celebration: With abundant monsoon rains and full rivers and reservoirs, the CM noted that conditions are ideal for a grand yet balanced celebration this year.

• Enhanced security measures: With over 10 lac visitors anticipated, including foreign tourists, Siddaramaiah insisted that safety be non-negotiable. “Not even minor untoward incidents should occur,” he warned, instructing security forces and district administration to coordinate robustly.

• Cultural and historical integrity: All events must showcase Dasara’s religious and historical roots, resisting any shift toward spectacle over substance.

• Expanded exhibitions & tableaux: Each district is expected to present vibrant and varied tableaux. A dedicated section honouring Mahatma Gandhi’s ideologies will be featured, especially as Vijayadashami coincides with Gandhi Jayanti.

• Public service continuity: Government offices and services must remain operational and accessible to the public throughout the festival. “Officers must not become unavailable to citizens during Dasara,” the CM noted.

• Infrastructure readiness: Roads leading to Chamundi Hills and KRS Dam are to be repaired on priority. Arrangements for additional parking and public toilets must be completed before the festivities begin.

• Controlled seating at Palace: To prevent overcrowding, seating in front of the Mysuru Palace will be reduced from last year’s 54,000, with a focus on better spacing and crowd flow.

• Folk arts and illumination: Popular light displays will be expanded this year. Folk performances must represent diverse traditions and avoid repetition. “Variety in programming is essential to keep the cultural fabric alive,” the CM stressed.

• Operational readiness: All donor-funded stalls must be fully functional from day 1. Empty or non-operational stalls will not be tolerated.

• Gold card distribution: Special access passes (Gold Cards) must be distributed transparently to avoid confusion or allegations of favouritism.

• Special Attractions: A grand Dasara Boat Show is planned as an additional draw this year, adding variety to the extended schedule.

Lawmakers offer suggestions

Public Works Minister H C Mahadevappa raised concerns over last year’s crowd control lapses and called for stricter regulation at high-footfall venues. JD(S) MLA G T Devegowda suggested ensuring folk group diversity and barring non-performers from entering the Jamboo Savari route, to maintain decorum and flow.

The meeting was attended by Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, ministers K J George, K Venkatesh, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Suresh Byrathi, and several MLAs including Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, Puttarangashetty, Tanveer Sait, Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Dr D Thimmaiah, Anil Kumar, A R Krishnamurthy, Madhu G Madegowda, K Harish Gowda, and Darshan Dhruvanarayana.

Proposal for future management

Reinforcing his vision for a well-organised and inclusive Dasara, Siddaramaiah floated the idea of establishing a dedicated Mysuru Dasara Authority to oversee planning, execution, and coordination in future editions. He underscored that the festival must serve as a reflection of democracy, constitutional values, development, and good governance.