Mangalore: A Mysore Dasara publicity campaign with a select band of artistes, to boost the Mysore tourism, has been planned in several districts to go round Madikeri (Kodagu), Dharwad, Chitradurga, Karwar (NK), Belgaum, Tumkur, and Mangalore (DK) in a decorated van on the main streets, in the days prior to Mysore Dasara commencing on October 8.

The campaign in Mangalore under a Jatha was inaugurated by Kannada Culture department’s assistant director, Mangalam Naik, by beating a ‘Chende’ drum today.

Mysore information department officials and Dasara Festival special officer on duty, have been touring several districts from Sept 26 and upto Oct.1 in 4 teams. These are ‘Chaitanya Art Team,  Spandana’ womens team, Viveka and Chetana teams. They will go to important towns on way, in each district.

In Mangalore on Monday, the Kannada culture department and Mysore Arts teams will move about with local Yakshagana players in constume, tiger dancers, and women’s ‘Chende’ drum team, to spread the message of an imminent 10 day festival in Mysore taking place. The campaign is carried to attract tourists to the world famous Mysore Dasara (10 days) festival starting October 8, soon after Mahalaya Amavasya.