Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seems to have taken a special interest for Dasara this year, as he is keen on bringing in attractions to enhance the grandeur of the festivities.
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Addressing the gathering after the inauguration of Dasara festivities atop Chamundi Hills here on Thursday, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he met Defence Minster Nirmala Seetharaman in New Delhi recently and requested her to organise an air show for Mysuru Dasara. The Dasara air show was discontinued around five years ago.
He said the government has proposed to organise the Jamboo Savari on the lines of Republic Day Parade and had requested the Defence Minister to showcase some military equipments, as done in R-Day parade, in the grand procession here.
“I have submitted a memorandum on this and the Minister too has responded positively. If our request is considered, I am sure the celebrations will become more attractive,” he felt.
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Mr. Siddaramaiah asked Mysuru MP Pratap Simha, who was present, to impress upon Ms. Seetharaman to immediately consider the State’s request.
The Chief Minister said he has asked the Energy Department to put up special illuminations for the Dasara.
Describing Mysuru as the cultural capital of Karnataka, he said Mysuru Dasara has a tradition since 1610 AD which was continued by the Mysuru rulers after the Vijayanagara period.
Seeing Jamboo Savari as a child
“I remember watching the Jamboo Savari seated on my father’s shoulders as a child. I have seen Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar seated on the elephant back in the procession,” he said, recalling that his father asked him to pay respect to the king with folded hands.