Mandya: The historic Srirangapatna Dasara, considered older than the Mysuru Dasara, will be celebrated in a traditional manner this year instead of being held on a grand scale, in view of the drought situation, water resources and Mandya district in-charge minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office, the minister said a preliminary meeting had already been held to discuss the arrangements for the festival. “A special format” would be adopted for this year’s celebrations, he said.
The Yuva Sambhama will be held on October 12 and 13, followed by the Dasara Mahotsava from October 15 to 18.
The minister said the Yuva Sambhama would provide a platform for local children to showcase their talents and encourage young performers.
The committee organising the celebrations has sought a Rs 5-crore grant from the government, Cheluvarayaswamy said. The name of the person who will inaugurate the Dasara festivities will be finalised within the next three days after considering suggestions from local legislators, he added.
The minister also extended greetings to engineers across the state on Engineers’ Day and said the meeting also covered the district’s development and other current issues.
The decision to keep the celebrations traditional is aimed at balancing the cultural significance of Srirangapatna Dasara with the prevailing drought situation, officials said.