Mysuru Dasara to be unaffected by drought woes: Siddaramaiah

The drought ravaging the state will have no impact on the splendour of Karnataka's Mysuru Dasara celebrations, said chief minister Siddaramaiah. He, along with deputy CM DK Shivakumar performed a pooja at the Chamundi Hill on Sunday to mark the start of the traditional 10-day Dasara festival in Mysuru.

The CM, who represents Varuna constituency of Mysuru in the assembly, said that no effort would be spared in maintaining the pomp and grandeur of the celebration. “Mysuru Dasara isn't just a festival; it's an experience. An embodiment of Karnataka's culture, heritage, and spirit. It's a symphony of colours, sounds, and emotions that resonates with every heart and soul,” he said.



Last month, the government declared 195 of the state’s 236 taluks as drought hit and 161 of those as severely drought hit. Karnataka, the government said, received 56% less rainfall than normal in June and 73% less in August, which was also the lowest in 125 years.


Moreover, the state is locked in a pitched battle with neighbouring Tamil Nadu over releasing Cauvery water to the latter. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) on Friday upheld orders requiring Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu till October 31. The government is planning to appeal the order.


The state had earlier cancelled the famous Hampi festival this year citing the drought. The move had drawn the ire of the opposition BJP, which called out the government’s “incompetence” in failing to deal with drought and preventing farmer suicides, which may be a reason for the government cutting no corners in the Dasara celebration this year.


Famous music director Hamsalekha performed the formal inauguration of the Dasara celebrations, which have been a tradition of the state ever since the Vijayanagara Empire began the custom in the 15th century. The ten-day celebration sees the famous Mysore Palace decked in nearly 100,000 lights from 7 pm to 10 pm on all days of the festival.


On the last day, the Jumboo Savari (elephant procession) carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari on a gold mantapa from the palace to a place called Bannimantap where the banni tree is worshipped.