• Siddegowda of Pirangi Dal suffered severe burns when a flame of fire hit gun powder bag during cannon firing practice on the eve of Jumboo Savari-2023

I am bereft of insurance amount for being unable to provide adequate information to claim the benefit during the course of treatment. I have borrowed loan to build a house on small piece of land. I was about to recover financially, when the mishap dealt a blow again. The pain is so unbearable that, the itching sensation aggravates on scratching. However, it can be addressed with laser treatment, but the dire financial condition I am in, has been eluding me from availing laser treatment. Hence I have to keep the fingers moving often or else it will go numb. I don’t know from where came the flame, 2-kg gun powder I was carrying in the bag burst in no time. Our focus will be entirely on cannon firing, as 21-gun salute should be completed in 52 seconds. All due to my bad time.” —Siddegowda

Mysore/Mysuru: Four months have elapsed since Dasara-2023 was over in October, but a Police here continues to endure the pain he had to suffer for no fault of his, with neither any succour from higher officials nor the Government to bail him out from the pathetic situation he is in now.

Siddegowda, a resident of RS Naidu Nagar in city, is attached to City Armed Reserve (CAR) Police force and is a part of Pirangi Dal that handles the arduous task of cannon firing for 21-gun salute. The gun salute is offered to the presiding deity Goddess Chamundeshwari, placed in 750-kg Golden Howdah, during Jumboo Savari every year.

Call it a quirk of fate or his bad luck, Siddegowda was among several personnel of Pirangi Dal that was involved in the final leg of rehearsal on the eve of Jumboo Savari on Oct. 23, when a flame of fire hit the bag of gun powder Siddegowda was holding, causing a burst that left him severely injured with burn injuries affecting his back, right forearm and chest. He underwent treatment at the hospital for a month, before returning home where he is convalescing since then.

Along with the pain that refuses to die soon, Siddegowda has been finding it difficult to meet the mounting expenses towards his treatment. He has been serving Police Department for the last 24 years, with almost 15 years in Pirangi Dal.

While a major chunk of the monthly salary goes towards EMI for housing loan, he has to manage the family with a meagre amount of Rs. 4,000 he could save from his salary every month, says a relative of Siddegowda.

Besides, he is in dire need of monetary help to meet the expenses towards laser treatment to regain the strength of a portion of the body afflicted by burns, as every treatment session requires not less than Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000.

Even though those on Pirangi Dal are provided with insurance cover, Siddegowda cannot claim the amount for the norms of 40 percent burns and above to be entitled for availing benefit. According to a circular issued by the Government in 2014, on duty Police personnel involved in maintaining law and order and prevention of criminal activities are liable for compensation on humanitarian grounds. The compensation of Rs. 2 lakh shall be provided in case of serious injuries and Rs. 10 lakh for permanent disability. But still, the relief eludes Siddegowda, who suffers from numbness in his right forearm, if he fails to keep it in motion at the break of every half-an-hour.

Being the sole breadwinner, Siddegowda feels it difficult to meet monthly expenses of the family. The higher ups in the Department have been promising to facilitate due compensation, but the assurance is yet to see the light of the day.

The post Enduring pain leaves Cop in state of numb appeared first on Star of Mysore.

2022 celebrations cost Rs. 28.74 crore; no wasteful expenditure, says DC

Mysore/Mysuru: The Mysuru District Administration has spent Rs. 29.25 crore for the Dasara Festival 2023, surpassing the expenditure of the 2022 celebrations.

Despite the State Government’s announcement that this year’s Dasara would not be extravagant, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. K.V. Rajendra, who is also the Dasara Special Officer, disclosed the expenses incurred by the Dasara Executive Committee and said that the expenditure crossed the last year’s mark mainly due to rising costs, though there was no wasteful expenditure.

Last year’s expenditure was Rs. 28.74 crore, and this year it stands at Rs. 29.25 crore. The total expenditure for organising events in 2023 amounted to Rs. 27,05,22,049. Additionally, Rs. 1 crore has been spent for celebrations in Mandya (Srirangapatna), Rs. 1 crore for Chamarajanagar and Rs. 20 lakh for Hassan, taking the total to Rs. 29,25,22,049. This reflects a substantial increase from the 2022 expenditure of Rs. 28,74,49,058, indicating an increase of Rs. 50,72,991 this time.

Dr. Rajendra detailed the allocation breakdown, including Rs. 15 crore from the Department of Kannada and Culture, Rs. 10 crore from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), Rs. 2,25,70,000 from sponsors, and Rs. 1,19,95,000 from ticket and Gold Card sales. The royalty generated from the Aahara Mela amounted to Rs. 81 lakh. The total approved budget of Rs. 29,26,65,000 surpasses last year’s figure of Rs. 26.09 crore.

Committee-wise allocation

Reception, invitation, venue and transportation protocol: Rs. 3,22,56,688; Procession: Rs. 2.45 crore; Torchlight Parade: Rs. 1.24 crore; Tableaux: Rs. 25 lakh; Raitha Dasara: Rs. 30 lakh; Cultural Programmes: Rs. 2 crore; Fine Arts: Rs. 20 lakh; Kavigoshti: Rs. 35 lakh; Yoga Dasara: Rs. 15 lakh; Yuva Sambhrama: Rs. 2 crore; Yuva Dasara: Rs. 5.88 crore; Women and Children Dasara: Rs. 35 lakh; Dasara Film Festival: Rs. 45 lakh; Dasara Wrestling: Rs. 45 lakh and Elephant Maintenance: Rs. 1,60,56,781.

Other expenditures include Rs. 10 lakh for programmes at Rangayana, civil and electrical works at Rs. 1,44,01,879 by MUDA, Rs. 1,35,55,000 by the Public Works Department, Rs. 1,74,29,701 by Nirmiti Kendra and Rs. 1,51,22,000 by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), contributing to the total budget of Rs. 27,05,22,049.

The Mysore Palace Board allocated Rs. 5 crore for events in the Palace premises, with details of this expenditure provided separately. Additionally,  Rs. 50 lakh was paid to the Wadiyar family as royalty, including Rs. 47.5 lakh as an honorarium and Rs. 2.5 lakh as GST.

More for youth events

Significant funds were allocated for youth events, with Rs. 2 crore spent on Yuva Sambhrama and Rs. 5.88 crore for Yuva Dasara. The Yuva Dasara, which usually spans seven days, was shortened to four days this time. Despite restrictions on the platform and reduced stage space, the budget has increased compared to the previous year.

The DC responded to this by stating that prominent artistes participated in this year’s Yuva Dasara and the decision to shorten the event was made by the High-level Committee responsible for organising the event. He clarified that a minimum of three high-voltage programmes were organised each day.

Dr. Rajendra said that the State Government had earmarked approximately Rs. 40 crore for a simple and traditional Dasara this year. If any irregularities are found in the expenditure, corrective action will be taken based on the Committee of Auditors’ examination.

The DC justified the marginally higher expenditure, considering general price increases and asserted that the amount spent for Dasara was within limits. Despite budgetary constraints, Dasara was celebrated successfully with a huge turnout of people who witnessed the event, unlike ever before, he added.

All put together it is Rs. 40 crore

Approximately Rs. 6 crore was spent on Dasara illumination by Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), according to information provided by the DC. However, the detailed breakdown of this expense is not included in the information shared by the District Administration. Responding to queries on this matter, Dr. Rajendra clarified that historically, expenses for Dasara illumination have been accounted for separately.

Last year’s expenses for Dasara Sports amounted to Rs. 22,02,975, Rs. 29,08,759 for cleanliness and arrangements, Rs. 7,40,699 for the Publicity Committee and Rs. 18,50,000 for Dasara Darshana. “However, this time, the expenditure for all these aspects is zero,” the DC added. All these expenses have been covered by the respective Departments without utilising the Government grant. Additionally, the Palace Board’s separate allocation of Rs. 5 crore and the illumination expenses of Rs. 6 crore together contribute to Rs. 12 crore, thus bringing the total Dasara expenditure to Rs. 40 crore.

The post Dasara 2023: Traditional but expensive at Rs. 29.25 crore appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: Prizes were distributed to the Dasara tableaux that took part in Jumboo Savari procession of recently concluded Nada Habba Mysuru Dasara. The prizes were distributed and Nodal Officers of various Zilla Panchayats (ZPs) were felicitated during the valedictory ceremony organised by Dasara Tableaux Sub-Committee at Varthakara Bhavan, Bandipalya APMC Yard in the city on Wednesday (Nov. 8).

Of the total 49 tableaux that took part in Jumboo Savari, the tableaux of Dharwad, Chikkamagalur and Chamarajanagar won the first three prizes in Zilla Panchayat division, while those of Hassan, Shivamogga and Mandya won consolation prizes.

In the category of Boards and Corporations, Department of Information & Public Relations and Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) won top two prizes, while Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) Limited got consolation prize. The Nodal Officers of respective prize winning ZPs were handed over trophy and certificate.

President of Dasara Tableaux Sub-Committee Ahinda Javarappa said: “Apart from the tableaux that drew the attention of the people, the tableaux that portrayed the achievements of the Government were given prizes. Honorarium of Rs. 10,000 has been given to all 49 tableaux. ZPs are entrusted with the task of designing tableaux and the works will be awarded to the artistes through tender. Hence there is no question of ignoring the artistes who too would get their due in the coming days.”

“We have succeeded in touching the people with a good message during Jumboo Savari by designing the tableaux in a  short time. Every tableaux were artistic and were appreciated by many,” said Javarappa.

Nodal Officer of Chamarajanagar ZP Rajendra Prasad said: “We participated in Dasara for the 12th year and had a special experience. The foreigners, who watched Jumboo Savari on Doordarshan, had a special word of appreciation for the tableaux.”

Nodal Officer of Dharwad ZP Shivanand Kumar said: “Two years ago, it was difficult to get accommodation. However, this year we were able to design a tableau that was appealing, due to the cooperation of all.”

Deputy Special Officer of Dasara Tableaux Sub-Committee Rajgopal, Working President Meghala, Secretary Raghavendra and Vice-Presidents N. Bhaskar, Chetan and others were present.

The post Prizes given to Dasara tableaux appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: With the formal conclusion of the Dasara-2023 festivities, the precious gem-studded Golden Throne (Simhasana) at Mysore Palace was disassembled in the Durbar Hall yesterday and subsequently moved to the highly secure Palace strong room in the cellar. In addition to the Golden Throne, the silver Bhadrasana, previously housed at Kannadi Thotti, was also disassembled and stored in the strong room.

Leading up to Dasara, the 280-kg Golden Throne was assembled on Oct. 9. To facilitate the disassembly of the Throne, the Palace remained closed to tourists and visitors from 8 am to 2 pm yesterday.

Following a traditional puja ceremony, the Golden Throne was disassembled into eight parts, which were then transported to the strong room by a team of Palace employees under the watchful eye of armed Police.

The Bhadrasana, with six detachable parts, also underwent this process. The pujas were conducted between 10:35 am and 10:45 am during the auspicious Dhanur Lagna in the Ashwayaja Masa, Krishna Paksha Dashami, which was observed yesterday.

It’s worth noting that the disassembly occurred without any members of Wadiyar family present. CCTV cameras within the Hall and Kannadi Thotti, as well as along the route to the strong room, were covered with cloth to ensure privacy and security.

The post Golden Throne disassembled at Palace; shifted to strong room appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: The Dasara illumination, which commenced with the festival’s inauguration on Oct. 15, came to a heart-warming conclusion last night, leaving both residents and visitors with cherished memories. It marked the culmination of a festive period.

For over 22 days, the city of Mysuru was adorned with vibrant and dazzling light displays on buildings, streets and public spaces. This transformation created a magical and enchanting atmosphere that attracted  people from all around to witness the spectacle.

As the event drew to a close, a sense of nostalgia and bitter-sweet emotions enveloped the participants, who had at times navigated through traffic jams to witness this grand spectacle.

Many shared their fond memories and experiences on social media, whether it was the delight of leisurely strolling through the beautifully illuminated streets, sharing special moments with loved ones, or simply revelling in the vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.

However, those fortunate enough to travel on the upper deck of the ‘Ambaari’ bus service by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) enjoyed a privileged experience. They had the opportunity to get up close to the bright lights while comfortably seated and travelling through the illuminated streets, capturing photographs and videos.

Each ‘Ambaari’ bus had 20 seats on both the lower and upper decks. Taking advantage of Dasara, KSTDC had set a fare of Rs. 250 per person for the lower deck and Rs. 500 for the upper deck. Each of the six buses operated three trips daily, exclusively in the evenings, offering tourists a close look at the magnificently illuminated city. The tremendous demand for the bus service and the KSTDC’s decision to increase the number of buses to six to accommodate the demand underscored the immense success of the Government scheme during the Dasara illumination.

In addition to boosting the travel business, the illumination also generated substantial revenues for the hospitality, tours, and travel industry, with a high demand for vehicles on the Mysuru route. Hotels of all categories, food outlets, street food vendors, handicraft sellers and other related businesses also reported significant revenue gains from Oct. 15 to Nov. 6.

Street vendors had travelled to Mysuru from distant areas, along with their families and had established makeshift homes in open spaces such as the Doddakere Maidan. Besides vending their goods, children in these families were observed performing trapeze acts after rigorous daily training. They displayed remarkable skills, walking on tightropes, maintaining balance, and engaging in acrobatics on the swinging rope.

The illumination has left an enduring impact on both residents and tourists, leaving them eager for the next time the city will be bathed in light once more.

The post Dasara illumination ends; Dazzling lights leave lasting memories appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Efforts to secure sponsorships for lighting up Mysuru fell short of expectations

Mysore/Mysuru: The Dasara illumination for this year incurred an estimated cost of Rs. 6.05 crore for the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), with a total electricity consumption of 1.43 lakh units for the 22-day spectacle. The 6.05 crore expenditure includes electricity charges, bulbs, design material, supporting structures and other paraphernalia.

This year, the Dasara illumination extended along a 148.21-kilometre stretch, encompassing 129 circles. Notably, 33 grand illuminated sculptures were lit up, in contrast to last year when the display covered a 135.21-kilometre stretch, which featured 119 circles including 30 large illuminated sculptures.

In the previous year, 1.30 lakh units of electricity were consumed, with an expenditure of Rs. 6.3 crore for the CESC.

The State Government’s efforts to secure sponsorships for the illumination fell short, as the sponsorship only amounted to Rs. 10 lakh.

With this reduced sponsorship amount, the total expenditure on the lights and electricity stood at Rs. 6.05 crore.

In 2022, 135.21-kilometer stretch was illuminated, while this year, it was extended to 148.21 kilometres. The CESC had initially estimated a budget of Rs. 6.63 crore for this year’s illumination.

According to CESC Superintending Engineer Sunil, the precise electricity consumption figures will be disclosed after an audit.

The post 22-day illumination: Rs. 6.05 crore and 1.43 lakh units spent appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Trips to watch illumination till Nov.5; KSTDC plans to launch Ambaari service in Kodagu, Hassan, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts

Mysore/Mysuru: The ‘Ambaari’ double-decker buses which were deployed by the KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation) during the recently concluded Dasara festival was a huge hit among tourists and other visitors to the city, with more than 7,000 of them enjoying the ride of the buses during 9-day festivities from Oct.15 to 23. However, there was no service on Oct. 24 due to Jumboo Savari procession.

In a bid to boost tourism and also its own revenues, the KSTDC had deployed 6 ‘Ambaari’ buses to operate trips in the evenings (6.30 pm, 8 pm and 9.30 pm) during Dasara, with illumination of the city for Nada Habba. Over 7,000 tourists and visitors are learnt to have enjoyed the ‘Ambaari’ bus rides during this period.

The ‘Ambaari’ buses have 20 seats each in the lower deck and upper deck. Taking advantage of Dasara, the KSTDC had fixed Rs. 250 fare per head for the lower deck and Rs. 500 for the upper deck and each of the six buses operated 3 trips daily only in evenings during which the tourists had a close look at the magnificently illuminated city.

These buses which started their trips from Hotel Mayura Hoysala on JLB Road where the KSTDC Office is situated, went through Old DC Office-Crawford Hall – Oriental Research Institute – Ramaswamy Circle – Sriman Maharaja Sanskrit Pathashala – Palace South Gate – Jayamarthanda Gate – Hardinge Circle – K.R. Circle – Sayyaji Rao Road – Govt. Ayurveda College Circle – City Railway Station, before concluding the trip at the starting point( Hotel Mayura Hoysala).

KSTDC sources said that since the first day of Dasara (Oct.15), the buses proved to be a super hit recording 100 percent occupancy (both the decks) till Oct. 23.

But from Oct. 25, the services saw a severe drop in the demand for lower decks, while the upper deck witnessed cent percent occupancy till yesterday (Nov.1).

Out of 6 ‘Ambaari’ buses, one bus was sent to Gadag on Oct. 30 and another one will be sent to the same place after Nov. 5, as Dasara illumination is scheduled to end on Nov. 5 (The District In-charge Minister has given oral instruction for continuation of illumination till Nov. 5, though CESC has previously informed that the illumination will conclude on Nov. 3).

Sources further said that after Nov. 5, one ‘Ambaari’ bus will be stationed at the Palace main entrance gate (Varaha Gate) for city rounds while the remaining buses will be handed over to KSRTC. The fare will be restored to normal fares at Rs. 250 per head for both the decks.

Meanwhile, buoyed by the huge success of ‘Ambaari’ service in city, the KSTDC is planning to launch similar service in Kodagu, Hassan, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts, to provide an opportunity for the tourists to visit tourist spots in the bus within those districts.

Besides, the KSTDC will be carrying out a survey soon to determine the viability and feasibility of Ambaari service in these districts.

The bus schedule in Mysuru includes three trips daily, commencing at 6.30 pm, 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm. About 45 passengers can travel in one bus and all six buses carry 270 passengers on each trip. So a total of 1,620 passengers get to enjoy the illuminated city till Nov.5 (Sunday).

All tickets can be booked online at https://www.kstdc.co/, and children above the age of five are required to purchase full-price tickets.

The post Ambaari bus ride a super hit appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Pejawar Sridhama’s Old Age Home has bagged first place in the Garden Contest organised by the Horticulture Department as part of Dasara Flower Show. This is the 5th consecutive year that Sridhama has won the first place. Pejawar Sridhama Horticulture Supervisor Jayaram is seen receiving the prize from District Horticulture Society Treasurer Shashikala Nagaraj.

The post Dasara Garden Contest: Pejawar Sridhama’s Old Age Home bags first prize appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: The Dasara Exhibition, a highly anticipated and celebrated event, continues to draw a large number of visitors even after the Dasara festivities. Yesterday, being a Sunday, more than 40,000 people flocked to the exhibition, highlighting its enduring popularity.

According to Rajesh G. Gowda, the CEO of the Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA), the exhibition will remain open until Jan. 12, 2024, providing ample time for people to enjoy its offerings. Cultural programmes are scheduled daily to attract visitors, and these programmes will run until Jan. 12.

Mysuru, coupled with the illumination and other attractions, is attracting thousands of visitors. Hotels and resorts reported decent accommodation bookings, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, with numerous inquiries starting from the previous Friday. The Government has extended the illumination event until Nov. 4.

The rush to witness the illumination spectacle begins at 6 pm, causing traffic congestion, especially in the Central Business District and the roads leading to the city’s entrance. Exhibition tickets are available until 10 pm on weekends and until 9.30 pm on weekdays, with the venue closing at 11 pm.

The exhibition offers a wide range of attractions, including handloom sales, over 200 stalls with various products, fun and games, food stalls serving delicious cuisine and numerous entertainment options.

“It is not just a place for purchases but a wholesome entertainment option for families, including cultural glimpses and performances,” Rajesh said. Many cultural troupes and individual performers have expressed interest in performing at the Dasara exhibition.

The exhibition includes dedicated sections for handloom sales, allowing visitors to explore and purchase a variety of handcrafted textiles, clothing, and fabrics. This supports local artisans and promotes traditional craftsmanship. The stalls feature items such as clothing, accessories, handicrafts, artwork, jewellery and more.

Vendors also note that the exhibition is an excellent venue to purchase handloom products like sarees, kurtas, and bedsheets at very reasonable prices while maintaining high quality. This year’s exhibition awarded a total tender of Rs. 11.50 crore.

Furthermore, the exhibition offers fun and games suitable for both children and adults, and food enthusiasts can embark on a culinary journey at the food stalls, which serve a wide variety of dishes, including local specialties and fried foods to cater to diverse tastes.

The post People flock Dasara Exhibition in hordes; Expo to end on Jan. 12 appeared first on Star of Mysore.

Mysore/Mysuru: Four cultural troupes have won prizes for excellent performance during the Jumboo Savari procession held here on the concluding day of Dasara festival on Oct. 24.

C. Chandra Naika of Sri Mallikarjuna Kudubiholi Janapada Kala Sangha, Heggunje in Udupi district, has bagged the first prize for excellent Gumate Dance.

C. Manjunath of Adidravida Tamate Mattu Nagari Samskrutika Kalavrunda, Mysuru,  has shared the second prize with Ambale Shivanna of Sri Basaveshwara Veeragase Janapada Kalatanda, Mysuru.  While C. Manjunath and team excelled in Tamate and Nagari, Ambale Shivanna excelled in Veerabhadra Kunitha.

J.M. Manjunath of Sri Nanjundeshwara Garudi Gombe Nrutya Yuvakara Sangha, Jangamakote in Chikkaballapur district has secured third prize for Garudi Gombe performance.

The first prize winner gets Rs.15,000, each of the two second prize winners will get Rs.5,000 (prize money Rs.10,000) and the third prize winner gets Rs.5,000, according to Dasara Procession Sub-Committee.

The post Dasara procession: Four cultural troupes bag prizes appeared first on Star of Mysore.