The unabated farmer suicides in Karnataka have cast a shadow on world famous Mysore Dasara celebrations. In view of the continued farmer deaths and the prevailing drought conditions, the State Government has decided to cut down Dasara festivities and celebrate in a small way. It is now a low key affair and the Dasara festivities this time will be a disappointment to the tourism sector which drives the economy of Mysuru.
According to V Srinivas Prasad, Revenue Minister and Mysuru district-in-charge Minister, the State Government has decided to celebrate Dasara in a subdued manner to respect the sentiments of the farmers.
He said, “Hundreds of farmers have committed suicide unable to repay their debts or owing to crop losses. The situation does not call for a pompous Dasara celebration this year.” he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed concern over deaths of over 200 farmers in the State for the last three months and he was disturbed by the fact that in just July month alone more than 180 farmers have ended their lives due to farm crisis. The continued farmer deaths and prevailing drought situation has created a vacuum and Siddarmaiah Government is under severe criticism for inept handling of the situation. In his Independence Day speech the Chief Minister mostly spoke about agrarian crisis and the measures his Government has taken to prevent farmer deaths.
Dasara festivities in Mysuru are known across the globe for grand tradition and ability to attract tourists all over. Mysore dasara and its elephant march (Jumbo Savari) are all part of a great tradition and date back to over 500 years. Dasara is a State Government organised festivity and an event which attracts tourists from many States within the country.
Performances by renowned artistes from India and abroad, film screening, entertainment shows, sports meet, an exhibition, a theme park, and thrill rides are normally part of Dasara celebrations. But these will be scaled down this year.