The wooden howdah rehearsal being conducted as part of the Dasara preparations on Monday
Mysuru: To showcase the grandeur of Mysuru Dasara to an international audience, the state govt has invited foreign ambassadors and diplomatic representatives stationed in India to witness the grand Dasara procession on Vijayadashami (Oct 21). The move is aimed at giving the 400-year-old festival greater global visibility and encouraging international tourists to visit Mysuru, experience its rich cultural traditions and carry the festival’s story back to their home countries. The Dasara celebrations will be held from Oct 11 to 21.
Mysuru Dasara, which evolved under the erstwhile Wadiyar rulers, has over the years transformed from a royal celebration into a people’s festival while retaining its historical and cultural significance.
The tourism department is also going all out in its effort to get foreign delegates to Dasara so that more global attention is given to Naada Habba (state festival). You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mysuru | Silver Rate in Mysuru | Bank Holidays in Mysuru | Public Holidays in Mysuru Stay updated with the latest Mysuru news.
Representatives from the US, Germany, France, Britain, England, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Italy are among those expected to attend, according to officials. Deputy commissioner Lakshmikanth Reddy, who is Dasara special officer, said, “Foreign ambassadors in India are being invited to witness the Dasara procession to promote Dasara globally. He said they are awaiting confirmation from the diplomats.
Chief minister DK Shivakumar envisioned presenting Dasara in a renewed and more attractive format to enhance its global appeal. In line with this vision, chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh is extending invitations to ambassadors and consular officials of several countries. During the previous Dasara, several foreign diplomats visited Mysuru following invitations from govt. They included Switzerland consul general Dr Angela Honegger, British deputy high commissioner Chandramouleeshwaran Krishnan Iyer, Netherlands consul general EJ de Wit, Italy consul general Giandomenico Milano and Malaysia consul general Saravanan Kumar Kumaravasagam. The diplomats visited Mysuru Palace, Mysuru zoo and Chamundi Hills before witnessing the Dasara procession from the Palace premises. Impressed by the cultural performances, elephants and the golden howdah, they shared photographs of their experience on social media, further extending Dasara’s reach overseas. We expect more foreign dignitaries to attend this year. Download the TOI App.