Mysore: While earlier, chief minister Jagadish Shettar had said the Dasara would be ‘Simple’ this year, a decision was also taken to turn it into a ‘Traditional’ festival too at the preliminary meeting held at the office of deputy commissioner here on Monday.

Chairing the meeting, medical education and district in-charge minister S A Ramdas said Dasara-2012 would focus on attracting tourists, especially foreigners, by showcasing the traditions of the state.

Tableaus, which form an integral part of the procession on the final day of Dasara festivities, would be based on the theme of ‘tradition’.

While Gajapayana, the annual ritual of bringing elephants from the forest to city, would be held on September 7 at Veeranahosahalli in Hunsur taluk, they would be welcomed at the Mysore palace on September 10.

While emphasis has been given to promote traditional sports, a decision was taken to cancel ‘Yuva Dasara’.

As Mysore City Corporation (MCC) is celebrating its 150th anniversary, programmes of both MCC and Dasara would be held hand-in-hand promoting traditional aspects of the city. ‘Samarasya Dasara’ to include participation of all religions for Dasara is also being planned.

Minister Ramdas directed MCC commissioner to ensure that all road repair works to be completed by October 5. Also, if any of the works are not completed, then they should be taken up after Dasara as works during the festival prove to be a hindrance to traffic management and also to public.

Work on welcome arches proposed by Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) have been kept on the back burner until the festival is over. The decision was taken as the work would take at least six months to complete.

Suggestions including utilising empty spaces owned by private parties for providing parking facility was also made during the meeting. No vehicle zone in the core business district including Sayyaji Rao road, K R Circle were presented, but no decision has been taken as yet on these proposals.

Proposal to hold Dasara sports meet earlier than the Dasara festivities was mooted at the meeting. Proposal to conduct international-level photography competition was also mentioned. -DHNS