Mysuru: With just a month away for Dasara, preparations picked up momentum on Wednesday with the Dasara Festival Committee releasing the logo.

The first batch of six jumbos led by Arjuna, the Ambari elephant, were formally welcomed into Mysuru palace. This year, festivities have been scaled down keeping in mind the drought situation in the State. Speaking to presspersons after launching the logo, Minister in-charge of Mysuru district V. Srinivas Prasad said no decision had been taken on constituting Dasara sub-committees and the budget to be set aside for organising the festivities. A decision on the former will be taken in a few days, he said.

Barring cultural programmes involving local artistes at the palace and poets’ meet, other programmes usually conducted will not be held this year. The Department of Information and Public Relations will be asked to engage in promotional activities. On the Jamboo Savari, he said the procession will have tableaux from local institutions and departments, and tableaux outside the district will not be part of the finale.

Mr. Prasad said that events like fireworks and laser show will not be part of the torchlight parade at Bannimantap grounds. However, activities by the police and the mounted police will continue.

In reply to a question, the Minister said the poets’ meet had been listed as there was no “celebration” involved in it. The theme of the event would be on farmers and their issues.