Mysuru: The world-famous 10-day Mysuru Dasara festival is celebrated every year in September-October as per the Hindu calendar, with religious and cultural events, in which the royal family of the Wodeyar dynasty participates and the state government hosts it with the help of the citizens, however, this year due to the pandemic only 300 guests would be allowed to watch the grand finale of the 10-day festival on October 26 in the royal palace grounds here, informed State Health Minister K. Sudhakar.
Addressing presspersons Sudhakar said, "Dasara festival will be celebrated in a simple manner this time, with 300 people allowed to witness the royal parade on its 10th day (Vijayadashmi) to mark the victory of triumph over evil in the Amba Vilas palace grounds as Covid spread is still rampant in the state."
"In view of the state government guidelines to restrict large gatherings to contain the virus spread, people can watch the proceedings from their home as the various religious and cultural events from October 17 will be telecast live from the palace venue," said Sudhakar.
Sudhakar, a medical doctor by profession, has been entrusted with the health and family welfare department in addition to the medical education portfolio from Monday to rein in the pandemic, which broke in the state in mid-March.
With Mysuru accounting for the largest number of cases after Bengaluru in Karnataka, the beleaguered government has decided to keep the yearly fest low-key, canceling outdoor religious and cultural activities, including a 5-km victory procession from the royal palace to Bannimantap grounds across the city for torchlight parade on October 26 night.
Meanwhile, in Bengaluru Minister-in-charge of Mysuru district, S.T. Somashekar invited Sri Jayadeva Institute director and cardiologist Dr. Manjunath to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa was also officially invited to Dasara by Somashekar.
