Mysuru: Poet Channaveera Kanavi will inaugurate the 406th Mysuru Dasara celebrations on October 1.

District in-charge and PWD Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa said here on Tuesday the members of the high-powered committee suggested names of a few dignitaries for inaugurating Dasara and the name of Kanavi had been finalised.

He was speaking to mediapersons after taking part in the meeting of the Dasara Executive Committee at the office of the deputy commissioner.

He said that Dasara would be celebrated in a significant manner this time.

Owing to deficit rains in the Malnad region and catchment areas in the state, the authorities have decided to cut down expenses but celebrate the festival in an impressive way. The festival was a low-key affair last year due to drought and farmers’ suicide.

Dr Mahadevappa said that the district administration has submitted a proposal for Rs 14.25 crore to the government for the celebration and Rs 1 one and Rs 50 lakh will be released for the celebrations in Chamarajanagar and Srirangapatna in Mandya district respectively.

The minister said, “As a large number of tourists visit the city during Dasara season, the authorities have approached the Tourism department to arrange aeroplanes and helicopters to Mysuru during the season. However, this time, there will be no air show.”

Gaja Payana

The first batch of Dasara jumbos, including howdah elephant, will start their journey from Veeranahosahalli in Hunsur taluk on August 21 and they will be welcomed on August 26 near Mysuru Palace, said the minister.

Food mela will be organised at two locations during this Dasara. The locations are yet to be finalised. Other events include, Women’s Dasara, Yuva Dasara, sports events like wrestling and film festival.

The minister said, 18 sub-committees will be formed to take care of the arrangements.

“In order to promote tourism and environmental conservation, the district

administration will organise programmes in Mysuru taluk. A variety of programmes will be organised for a period of three months at all taluk headquarters,” Dr Mahadevappa said.

Cauvery circuit

Minister for Tourism Priyank Kharge said that the department would publicise the event from the last week of August at the national and international-levels. The department will promote tourism through the Cauvery Circuit.

Kharge said, “The Cauvery Circuit, identified by the Cauvery Tourism Development Authority (CTDA) for ensuring higher footfalls, will be active during Dasara. The department will form a advisory committee and, rules and regulations are being framed for the circuit to function.”

Mayor B L Bhyrappa, Sugar and Cooperation Minister H S Mahadev Prasad, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Sait, MLAs G T Devegowda, Vasu and M K Somashekar and Deputy Commissioner C Shikha were present in the meeting.