Amid COVID concerns, Karnataka govt decides for "simple and traditional" Mysuru Dasara
Bengaluru, Sep 3: The Karnataka government on Friday decided to organise the famous Mysuru Dasara festival this year in a "simple and traditional" manner, keeping in mind the COVID-19 concerns.
"Mysuru Dasara is also the Nada Habba (state festival). Last year we celebrated it in a traditional and simple manner due to COVID. This time too we will celebrate it likewise," Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said
He was speaking to reporters after chairing a high-level committee meeting on Mysuru Dasara.
Bommai said that all the rituals connected with the celebrations such as inauguration of the festivities atop Chamundi Hills, Jamboo Savari (procession of caparisoned elephants) and lighting of the entire city for 10-days will be conducted.
"We have decided to release Rs six crore to celebrate Dasara festival at Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Sriragapatna," he said.
The Chief Minister, in response to a question, said festivities and cultural events will be restricted to the Amba Vilas Palace and the Chamundeshwari Temple. The renowned Jamboo Savari will also take place inside the Mysuru Palace premises like the last year.
The high-level committee authorised the Chief Minister to select the eminent personality to inaugurate the 10-day cultural and religious festival.
"We have authorised the CM to choose who should inaugurate the festival this time, Cooperation Minister S T Somashekar, who is in charge of COVID-19 affairs in Mysuru district, said.
The 10-day long festivities will be flagged off on October 7 at the Chamundi Hills. Last year, the government had chosen five corona warriors to inaugurate the festival.
Somashekar said the Jamboo Savari will take place on October 15 at 2.45 pm.
Noting that last year, 150 people were permitted for the inaugural, 50 for cultural events and 300 for the Jamboo Savari, he said "We asked the CM to double this. But experts have warned of a third wave of COVID-19 in September-October. So after September 20, depending on the situation, a decision will be taken. If cases go up, then last year's restrictions on the number of people will continue."
The Chief Minister said the meeting also decided to release Rs 8.09 crore arrears of the 2019 Dasara.
"I have directed the officials to maintain financial discipline, see to it that the expenditure does not cross the grant released for the year and ensure accountability, as well as transparency,'' he said.
Several elected representatives at the meeting requested the CM to establish a Tourist Circuit in Mysore region.
"I will discuss with the minister for tourism and officials concerned to make optimum utilisation of the opportunity under the existing tourism policy," Bommai said, adding that tourism has taken a hit due to COVID-19, resulting in economic slowdown. In this background, concrete steps will be taken to promote tourism.
The chief minister directed the officials to submit an estimate for developing infrastructure in Mysuru in connection with the Dasara celebrations.
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Karnataka MLC Nazir Ahmed visits Ajman Ruler’s Court, Thumbay Medicity
Ajman, UAE: Karnataka Legislative Council member and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Nazir Ahmed, visited the Ajman Ruler’s Court and Thumbay Medicity, strengthening ties between Karnataka and the UAE.
At the Ruler’s Court, Ahmed met Sheikh Dr. Majid bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Court, to discuss avenues for collaboration in healthcare, education, and research. He extended an invitation to Sheikh Majid to visit Bengaluru and proposed a future delegation of high-level officials from Karnataka to Ajman and Thumbay Medicity.
As part of the visit, Ahmed toured Thumbay Medicity’s state-of-the-art healthcare, medical education, and research facilities. Praising the institution’s achievements, he described it as a global hub for healthcare excellence.
Commending the efforts of Dr. Thumbay Moideen, founder and president of Thumbay Group, Ahmed acknowledged his role in establishing Thumbay Medicity as a leader in the field. “It is a matter of immense pride to witness Dr. Thumbay’s remarkable progress and the iconic achievements of Thumbay Medicity,” he said.
Dr. Thumbay expressed gratitude for the visit, emphasizing the importance of collaborations that benefit both the UAE and India. “This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening our shared vision for excellence in healthcare and education,” he stated.
Thumbay Medicity in Ajman is known for its advanced healthcare services, cutting-edge medical education, and pioneering research. It continues to gain global recognition as a model for integrated healthcare and education.
