A variety of events are in store for women and children during the ‘Mahila Mattu Makkala Dasara’ (Dasara for women and children), to be organised from October 1 to 8. Women and children will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent and win prizes during the eight-day gala.
For many years now, the authorities have been organising the Dasara for women and children to provide them an exclusive platform to exhibit their talents. K. Radha, Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department, told The Hindu that track and field events too would be held for women and children, aside from a folk dance competition for college students and other cultural contests.
On October 2 at Jaganmohan Palace, the ‘Chinnara Dasara’ will be held for children to perform plays and dance. Certain competitions will be held for anganwadi children in the age group of three to six, with separate sporting events planned for special children. A rally supporting women’s empowerment will be taken out from Kote Anjaneya Temple to J.K. Grounds on October 3, with women from all walks of life expected to participate.
On October 4, a special programme for couples — ‘Adarsha Dampathigalu’ — will be organised, with artiste-couple Sihi Kahi Chandru and Geetha hosting it.
To encourage and promote women entrepreneurs, the department will also organise an exhibition on JK Grounds where women from cottage industries and others who manufacture items such as pickle, pappad, and soaps can sell their products. Members of various women’s self-help groups will be allowed to display their products at the exhibition.
Also part of Mahila Mattu Makkala will be the State-level Senior Citizens’ Day event planned in the city. Ms. Radha said on the occasion, elders would be conferred awards for their achievements in various fields such as literature, arts, and culture.
