Mysuru was spruced and decked up to host a subdued 10-day Dasara fest amid the Covid pandemic, which has turned the annual carnival into a largely virtual show due to curbs on people gathering in large numbers at public places.
“As decided by the state government, which organises the 10-day event, the Dasara festivities began on October 17 at hilltop Chamundeshwari temple and inaugurated at Amba Vilas palace in a simple way due to the Covid restrictions,” an official told IANS here.
Bengaluru-based, state-run Jayadeva heart hospital Director C.N. Manjunath declared open the religious and cultural fest at the auspicious time between 7.45 a.m. and 8.15 a.m. in the presence of Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Mysuru district in-charge minister S.T. Somshekar, Wodeyar royal family members and other dignitaries.
“About 300 people, including ministers, lawmakers, officials and select religious heads, were allowed to witness the festival events in the palace grounds. The invitees had to carry a medical certificate confirming that they are virus free. Wearing of mask, maintaining physical distance and sanitising hands was mandatory,” a state Culture Department official said.
As visitors and tourists were not allowed into the palace to see the religious and cultural programmes over the next 10 days, the ceremonies were shown live on television channels and social media sites like Youtube and Facebook.