Sachin Tendulkar is among the six names short-listed by the State government to do the honours of inaugurating the Dasara festivities scheduled on October 1. This year’s Naada Habba will be an 11-day affair, unlike the usual 10-day event.
A high-level committee meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah here on Thursday, decided to conduct the Jamboo Savari and the torch light parade on October 11 as part of Dasara-2016.
The committee short-listed six names: Suttur seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy, poets K.S. Nissar Ahmed, Channaveera Kanavi and novelist S.L. Bhyrappa. Progressive farmer Puttaiah inaugurated the event last year owing to drought.
Mr. Siddaramaiah told reporters that a final decision would be taken by the Dasara Working Committee, which would meet on August 9.
According to the almanac (panchanga), Vijayadashami would be celebrated on October 11, while October 1 marks the beginning of Navaratri. This year’s Dasara will be a usual affair with Yuva Dasara and other activities.
The Chief Minister said that the celebrations will be held keeping in mind the cultural aspects and the need to attract tourists to Mysuru. The festivities would be inaugurated atop Chamundi Hill on October 1 (Saturday) at 11.40 a.m. by offering puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
The Chief Minister instructed the Mysuru district administration to make sure that the stalls at the Dasara Exhibition were also inaugurated on October 1.
