ATME-AANCHAL to keep molesters at bay

 

A jersey that would help women to keep the molesters at bay has been developed by faculties of ATME College. The jersey would work as a 'powerful weapon' for safety seeking women as it can transmit shocking waves at just a touch of a stranger.

The designed compact Microelectronics circuit cloth (jersey) incorporates electric shock waves which is controlled and operated by the girl. At any point the girl feel unsafe, uncomfortable she can just wear the jersey, which is like a rain coat and activate gadget inside the jersey and give a shock immobilising for thirty minutes. She can activate repeatedly based on her decision on her security.

Immediately the top and bottom jersey acts like an electric shock unit, simultaneously transmitting emergency protocol of her precise location to her caring person cell phone. If needed the girl can activate SOS butt on (emergency protocol) to the nearest police station. Soon the parent or police can address the issue and save the girl.

“The circuit can't be removed by rapist, this provides high level of security, if needed the activation can be controlled by a code from her cell phone and only the girl can deactivate the AANCHAL. With the precious thirty minutes of time the girl can have multiple options for escaping from rapist,” says faculties B S Manusudhan, and S Sowmya Sudhan, who innovated the AANCHAL with the help of student S Manunatha, R Avinash, Ashwini, Sushma, Karthik and Sharath . The team have applied for a patent.

Advantages

The AANCHAL cloth coated with water resistant material avoids shocks during rainy season, but the electric shocker for the rapist works 365 days 24 hours. The Microelectronics circuit can't be removed by stranger and no external people can ever think of touching her or damaging the circuit. 

Only the girl can operate internally and no external people can ever think of touching her or damaging the circuit. Even if the rapist attempt with hands gloves, the girl can give electric shock by touching her jersey to rapist body. The rapist cant think of touching the girl from anyways.

Jumbos returned back to their camps

Elephants and mahouts left the palace along with 14 dasara elephants on Thursday, after successful completion of Dasara assignment. The elephants have left a niche, enthralling lakhs of people.

During their stay in palace for about 45 days, the place had turned a mini elephant camp and a hot tourist spot, attracting thousands of tourists from dawn to dusk. Tourist catching pictures of pachyderms in their cell phones and cameras was common sight witnessed all these days.

The scenes of elephants care takers giving bath for elephants in the pond, women folk cooking food and washing cloth, children playing round the elephant and wandering across palace were missing on the day. Soon they left the place, a shadow of silence covered at palace grounds.

The elephants were transported in a lorry to their respective camps such as K Gudi Camp, Mathigud Camp, Dubare Forest and Balle Elephant camp. Elephants Gopi and Gopalswamy were first loaded to lorries stating the elephants are adamant.

The women and children were seen waiting in front of their temporary shelters for arrival of lorry. Soon after the traditional puja performed by Palace Pontiff Prahallad, jaggery, sugarcane, coconut were offered to jumbos. Deputy Commissioner C Shikha gave adieu for the jumbos.

The children and family members left the palace waving hands for the tourists, with a sign of relief in face.

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Elephants left palace with heavy weight !

Elephant Arjuna who carried 750 kg golden howdah has gained additional weight of 275 kgs. When he arrived to palace, he was 5535 kg, while leaving he was 5810. In the same the weight of Gajendra was 5072 against 4755; Balaram 5295 against 4630; Abhimanyu 5250 against 4870; Varalakshmi 3205 against 2965, Sarala 3345 against 3290. The other elephants which took part in dasara festivies are Vikram, Vijay, Harsha, Sriram, Gopi, Prashanth, Durga Parmeshwari and Gopalkrishna.

 

Home is the school for this wonder kid !

 

In this era of globalisation hooked up with competitions, children are sent to convents to face the challenging world. But, home is the school and parents are teachers for Abhigya, a wonder kid, who is learning the 5th grade books at home and knows to read and write Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, English, and also speaks a bit of German.

Eight-year-old Abhigya memory makes one mesmerised. He chants 14 full chapters comprising 570 Slokas from the Bhagavad Gita by memory. All this he picked up in 9 months. He wishes to chant the entire 18 chapters of the Gita out of memory on Gita Jayanthi day.

He used to identify 40 flags of different countries and more than 50 car models just by glancing at them at the age of two and half year. At present he identifies more than 100 car models and about 125 herbs from the book titled 'Secrets of Indian Herbs'. If a picture is shown, he says the botanical name of each herb and its usage.

With the help of Youtube and his mother Annu, he has learnt to pronounce Bhagavad Gita correctly. For socialising he is being taken to a nearby MCF Government school at Belagola daily for two hours.

Wearing a Thulsi Mala and Tilak, he starts chanting mantras. He says: “I love to teach Bhagavad Gita verses to children and read books of Amar Chitrakathas.” He has read more than 500 Amar Chitra Katha stories till date and has chanted 6 chapters of Bhagawadgita at temples in Melbourne, Mysore and Bangalore. He enjoys reading newspapers, books and interested in learning 'Kalaripayattu' more than Karate. He had learnt Jiujitsu during his stay in Melbourne.

When his sister Abhidheya was suffering from dengue symptoms, he had suggested the herbal medicine for his parents, from which his sister recovered. Even she chants around 80 verses by hearing her brother.

Parents Anand and Annu who don't believe in today's boxed system of education say, they will enroll their wards in any school, that will allow self paced education and provide the comfort zone to learn the subjects of their interest and not bog them down with homework.

“Due to my IT profession, I had the opportunity to live in eight different countries across Europe, US Australia and Canada for the last 13 years. Just eight months ago we came to Mysore,” said Anand, who has quit his job and wish to become organic farmer.

Tremendous response for power consumption LEDs

The sale of LED serial sets has registered a drastic jump during this year's Dasara festivities. Majority of the shop owners, houses have adorned their vicinities using variety of colourful LEDs serial sets which are in pleasing colours of green, blue, white, purple, orange and other multi-colour serial sets.

The tremendous response is due to the illumination of city during dasars festivities using LEDs. Thanks for the initiative of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply who replaced incandescent bulbs with eco-friendly LED lights which cosumes less power and also generates less heat.

Kumara, who takes contract of illuminating for ceremonies, said he has illuminated about 12 shops, hotels and 18 houses in Rajeev Nagar, NR Mohalla belt using LEDs. “Majority of the people are asking for LED lights. There is good demand for both single colour as well as multi colour LED serial sets.”

Amit Sait, who sales China made items at KT Street said he has sold good number of serial sets this year. These sets also last longer and are easy to mount anywhere by just sticking them with a cello pone tape.”

Fathima Begum, resident of NR Mohalla said: “After witnessing the illumination in heart of the city, I took initiative to decorate my house using same colour LED. The bulbs are not only attractive, whereas eye catching and have learnt that consumes less power.”

Raju, a shop owner said: “The Chinese made serial sets are easily available and quite affordable. I have purchased the serial lights which comes in various shapes and colours to decorate shop in festival occasions.”

Day out for Mahouts family members

Sky was high for the family members of mahouts and kavadi who ventured out to tour prominent places of Mysore. For first time they were taken on tour for prominent tourists destination like KRS, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Srirangapatna and Chamundi Hill.

The family members were seen dressed neatly and waiting for the bus to travel in and around Mysore. What made more surprising and memorable event for many is climbing the public transport for first time.

They were very much amused to watch the animals in the cages. The children innocently were seen questioning their parents why the animals, birds have been kept in arrest at Zoo, and why not in forest. Some of them even expressed sympathy for the animals, stating its good the animals, birds wander freely in their place. 

After viewing the statue of demon Mahishasura atop chamundi hill, the discussions were on among them and later they left for Srirangapatna, seeking blessing from goddess Chamundeshwari.

Bhagya said: “This is first time am climbing the bus and second time coming to Mysore. I have traveled in truck," she added.Shashithamma said she woked up around 6 am and waited for the bus arrival to make sure that she gets seat near window. 

 

“We are extremely happy and eager to round up the city. We had seen only Palace, but now we have got the opportunity to see other places,” she added.

Social Worker Roopa Kala who accompanied the mahouts said they are happily enjoying the trip, singing folkart songs, and putting steps for tribal dances.

After flagging-off the buses, MLA MK Somashekar said that the mahouts family members will be made introduce to prominent four tourist destinations, and will continue the legacy every year. From next year measures will be taken to introduce more tourists places,” he added.

About 230 mahouts and kavadis family members toured the city in three buses, exclusively arranged by Dasara Darshana Sub-Committee. 

A special food arrangements were made for them at Srirangapatna, which include Chicken Biriyani, Mutton fry, gravy, banana and a pan beda after their food were provided.

 

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Russians spread peace message

 

Its not only tableaux drew the attention of lakhs of people on procession route, whereas a peace march by Russian troupe also took center note. 

As many as 28 Russians from St Peter's Berg in white and white, passed over the five kilometers stretch spreading the message of unity, peace, and harmony.

Alice said:" This is out first visit to Mysore. We thought this will be perfect platform to spread peace message among lakhs of people." 

Holding placards displaying the messages like: 'A real king is the one who rules upon his own sense organs', 'freedom from vices is true independence', and much more they spread the peace messages among public. 

They were seen waving hands and drawing attention of the huge crowd. They are the members of Brahma Kumari Wing in Russian, which is existing from last 25 years. They will be staying in Mysore for some more days and will be presenting a cultural programme by this month end.

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Water, buttermilk quench the thirst of artistes 

Thanks for the initiative of several organisation which tried to quench the thirst of artistes, women and children across procession route.

SPI had set up 25kiosks to supply water for artistes, women and children on procession route. This is first time they had set up the kiosks for every 100 meters. Volunteer Shivananda said in every kiosks five members are working and they have distributed water for about 30,000 people.

Dr Rajkumar Fans Association members were seen distributing buttermilk for police personnel and artistes at KR Circle. Member Manju said they are distributing 200 liters of butter milk.' Volunteers of Vasavi Seva Dhal also distributed 2000 (1/2 liter) water bottles, and distributed about 30 cans of water.

Dollu Kunitha Ariste Siddamma said that this is the first time they are getting sufficient amount of water to drink across procession route and quench their thirst.

Gaja Payana: The Journey of jumbos begins

The first batch of elephants, which will be part of Mysore Dasara Mahotsava -2013 began their journey from woods of Nagarahole National Park to Royal city Mysore on Wednesday.

Praying goddess Chamundeshwari, 'Gaja Payana', a ritual of welcoming and bringing elephants for dasara festival (October 5 to 14), was kicked off with religious fervour and cultural note at Nagapura Girijana School, Veerana Hosahalli at Hunsur Taluk here on Wednesday.

Five elephants such as Balaram, Abhimanyu, Sarala, Varalakshmi including the howdah Arjuna elephant were welcomed by elected representatives, officials and villagers with due respect by performing traditional puja.

The elephants were decked up with colourful flowers, and ornaments. After formal inauguration of the event, the elephants were transported in trucks from Nagapura to Mysore Palace. Another elephant Gajendra on route accompanied the elephants in Palace. The second batch of elephants is expected to arrive on next months.

These elephants will take part in the 403^rd World Famous Dasara Jumboo Savari to be held on October 14. They will be taken care for more than one and half month in Mysore providing needed rich and superior quality meals.

Priest Prahalada Rao said that from last 13 years he is taking part in the puja rituals of Gajapayana and the number of people turning to take part in the ceremony is increasing year to year.

Nagapura Hamlet Tribal children put steps for traditional songs. While, Gurupura Tibetan Colony children staged performance for 'Choelca Sum', traditional Tibetan Dance on the occasion.

Veeraghase Kunitha by artistes of Gavadagere and Kamsale by Valmiki Yuvakara Sangha of Periyapatna was performed. About 51 girls and women of Sharada Swasahayaka Sangha and Chamdeshwari Sangha of Doddahejjur gave 'Purnakumba' welcome for the elephants, considered it as auspicious.

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Title deeds for Tribals

Revenue and District in-charge Minister V Srinivasa Prasad after inaugurating Gaja Payana, assured of distributing Title deeds for families of tribals who have relocated from reserved forest area. He said talks has been held with concerned MLA's in this regard and soon decision will be taken.

He further said that Mysore dasara attracts people from world wide and measures have been taken to give tourists good hospitality and follow the tradition of Yadu Vamsha. Deputy Commissioner C Shikha, ZP and TP members were present.

Highlights

*The elephants were offered with jaggery and dry coconuts during Gaja Payana.

* Sarala and Varalakshmi are taking part in the dasara festivities after gap of two years, as they had given birth for calves.

* Mahouts and their family members will stay in the temporary sheds which will be erected at palace premises.

Know about elephants

* Arjuna: Male, 53 year old (5100 kg) from Balle Elephant Camp. He will be carrying 750 kg golden howdah for second time. Mahout Dodda Masti.

* Balarama: Male, 55 year old (4950 kg) from Thitimathi Elephant Camp. He is taking part in Dasara activites from last 17 years and has carried golden chariot for 13 times. Mahout Thimma.

* Gajendra: Male, 58 year old (4560 kg) from K Gudi Elephant Camp. He is taking part in Dasara activites from last 17 years and has carried golden chariot for 16 times and this is 'Pattada Anne'. Mahout Rama.

* Abhimanyu: Male, 47 year-old (4650 kg) from Thitimathi Elephant Camp. He is taking part in Dasara activities from last 14 years and he pulls the chariot of Musicians during Dasara. Mahout Vasanth.

* Sarala: Female, 71 year-old (3250 kg) from Balle Elephant Camp.

She is part of Dasara from last 14 years. Mahout Srirama.

* Varamahalakshmi: Female, 58 years old from Balle Elephant Camp.

She is part of Dasara from last 8 years. Mahout Gunda. Both these female elephants are 'Kumki' elephants (Chaperon) for Arjuna.

Information on Agriculture for students, citizens

Growing veggies in school campus will not only nurture skills of the students, whereas provides fresh vegetables, greens for Midday meal, which indeed helps to combat with malnutrition and inflation. With this backdrop, Kalpavruksha Trust is planning to provide agriculture information for children, teachers with the launch of programme 'Nutritious Farm'. The trust has selected 100 rural schools in Mysore district under first phase and will extend gradually.
Trust Secretary Rajaram said that majority of the schools don't have first hand information on how to nurture plants. “We have visited several schools, where we have witnessed the veggies are grown in unscientific way (under Sarva Shikshan Abhiyan Ki Thoota). By growing them in right way good yield can be obtained and will be sufficient for Mid day meal.”
Scientist Dr Vasanth Kumar said that Apart from Food Security importance should be given for 'Nutritional Security'. Distributing Milk and Iron Tablets to children will provide calcium and iron contents. But, for other mineral contents fruits, vegetables should be provided.
“Hike in prices of essential commodities is burning the pocket of consumers. In every household using small pots the needed vegetables for their use can be grown. The trust will educate them in scientific way of harvesting short-term crops (two-three months),” said Sadananda, another member.
A team of six persons work under the programme, under the guidance of Agriculture Scientist Dr Vasanth Kumar. They will also educate general public about the right processes to be followed while seeding and how to harvest healthier and organic veggies in their vicinity. The trust will distribute seeds, manure, saplings, hoe, and other needed tools freely for the school. As the vegetables reaches from garden to table, it will be of fresh and high in nutritious value.



Short-term veggies
Daily use vegetables like Brinjal, Ladies fingure, Tomato, Chilli, knol khol, cabbage, Cauliflower, bottle gourd, pumpkin, ridge gourd, radish, carrot, betroot, green leaves, can be grown easily within span of short time. By growing long-term crops like Ivy Gourd, chayote squash, Flat beans or Broad beans, moringa tree (fast growing drumstick tree), papaya, Cheek, Guava trees children get all sorts of mineral contents. For seeds and other queries contact 91648 37773.

Rise of the Rubans to drive the engine of economic growth

There is an emerging new breed of rural youth rich in untapped talent bubbling with entrepreneurial spirit and having access to latest technological gadgets. They now go by the name 'Rubans' a truncation for Rural-Urbans. 

This is the initiative of SDM IMD Institution and Head Held High (HHH), a Bangalore-based social enterprise, to address the need of rural populace with access to urban levels of information and help them integrate with the main society, thereby creating an inclusive growth environment in the society.

HHH conducts survey 'Rubanomics' to study the changing rural dynamics of economies governing and build business models that target the new Rural-Urbans. 

Whereas, the Institution creates platform for the academia to engage with rural talent, entrepreneurs, consumers and communities through summer projects, case studies and publishing of research papers alongside holding workshops. It also give direction to mesh rural and urban opportunities by engaging the power of talent and technology. The academia plan to make Rubanomics mainstream not only in academic circles but also in the corporate world.

SDM IMD Director Dr Parasuraman said: “Rubanomics is a new venture of Institution, committed to rural development, social exposure and ethics as part of the curriculum for management students. Our focus is on exposing and sensitising our budding managers to social reality. This initiative will help them engage with the new Rubans to create an inclusive growth environment for our country.”

Elaborating on the role of Rubanomics in the new rural India, HHH Chairman Madan Padaki said that Rubanomics will unleash the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of the Rubans. Rubanomics will strengthen this revolution, creating opportunity platforms for talent, entrepreneurs, consumers and communities in rural India, thereby adding to the economic prosperity of the nations.”

The Institute brought out a special publication on 'Rubanomics' that is 'RubanEye', containing learned articles, papers and summarised summer project reports on the highly relevant subject of Rural and Social economics.

Training programme

A six month residential training programme was provided under the programme for about 800 Rubans. Now they have transformed themselves from low literate to English speaking, computer literate knowledge workers in record time. About 90 percent of them have get appointment in service companies in and around Mysore.

Its Chamundeshwari blessings that brings folk artistes to Dasara, not honorarium

One of the main attractions of Dasara procession is the live performances by folk artistes who come from different parts of the state. Over a thousand artistes perform on the five kilometer stretch of the Jamboo Savari showcasing a wide variety of culture, tradition and talent and thus providing a visual treat to lakhs of people. But, little has been known that the honararium they receive is nothing but peanuts and what makes them keep a date without the Naada Habba without fail is the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari and appreciation of the people.

As many as 35 troupes, consisting of 15 to 20 members take part in the event. Artistes from across state arrive one day in advance to city. Each artiste is paid a meager Rs 500 for taking part in procession. They have to take care of the costumes, make-up, etc. within the meager amount and will have nothing left with them when they are back home. The bus fare will be provided separately.

But the artistes say that there are instances where they have failed to catch the public transport and have hired private vehicle. As a result they have to shell out more money from their pockets toward the personalised transport to perform in the Dasara activities.

Folk Artistes Federation President L Mahadevappa Udigala said that for the last six years the pleas made by the artistes have not been heeded to. “Neither are we paid with good monetary remuneration nor provided with proper arrangements to stay in the city during Dasara. Though taking part every year in the Dasara activities has become quite expensive, we are emotionally, attached with 'Naada Habba and cant miss it.'

Mahadevappa accompanied with his troupe carrying Nandi Dhwaja of 125 kg is participating in the procession from last 46 years.

Nandi Dhwaja artiste Mallesh, explaining the problems faced by them said: “Food and accommodation for men will be arranged at Nanjaraja Bhaddur Choultry, while for women at government schools or lodges. Coming from far off places we face lot of difficulties without proper sanitation and accommodation.”

The artistes have submitted memorandum to District in-charge Minister V Srinivasa Prasad, requesting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to hike their remuneration to Rs 1000 and also bear all the other expenses. They also urged to appoint artistes for Dasara sub-committees.

Watch movie at Multiplexes for Rs 20

Thanks this coming Dasara, the Government has subsidised the fee to just Rs 20 where selected movies will be screened at the city's Multiplexes housed in Malls. The same is also true with Drive-in movies where one can watch a movie outdoor at free of cost.

At the Dasara film festival to be held from October 5 to 12 at four different venues. In theaters, Rs 5 for ground floor and Rs 10 will be charged for balcony. In all other venues the movies will be screened at free of cost.

“As the entry fee at multiplex was beyond the reach of a common man, several of them have not made an attempt to watch the movies at multiplex. This will be really a advantage for many of the first time visitors to watch the movies in multiples. The initiative of government has helped a Aam Admi,” said auto driver Iqbal Pasha.

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Cine goers enjoy movies at multiplexes


“The pleasure of watching the movie siting in the air conditioned hall at Multiplexes is great. This is my first visit to Multiplex and I enjoyed my favorite hero movie on the screen,” said Chandrashekar, resident of Hassan, who watched the movie in DRC on Monday.


Thanks for the initiative of Dasara Film Sub-committee, which provided the opportunity for hundreds of avid cine goers to watch the movie at Multiplexes during dasara festivities for just Rs 20. On normal days the tickets for Kannada movies is Rs 120 and other languages is Rs 150.

Making use of the opportunity for the best, people from all walks of life, specially the first time visitors in large number are thronging for the multiplexes to watch the movie at the affordable fee with a advanced feeling. Those who had once turned back, are also now heading towards multiplexes to watch the movies and are getting the feel of watching the movies in Malls.

Interestingly, from last three days, hundreds of disappointed movie buffs have returned back after the tickets were sold out for the movies screened like Chennai Express, Bagh Milkha Bagh, Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, Myna, and Directors Special. The response for the movie Sarathi screened on Monday, was moderate with 165 tickets were sold out of 278 seats available.


DRC Manager Vaishali said that there is very good response and tickets were sold out lite hot cakes on first two days. “To facilitate more number of people we are screening the movies in big screen of 278 seats from Monday, which was 207 earlier,” she added.


Lukewarm response at theaters


Though good number of rare English movies are screened at Senate Bhavan and Rani Bahaddur Auditorium, the response is moderate for the films, as the movies attracts only a section of cine goers.

Film Sub-Committee President AR Prakash said that from last three days every day an average of 400 to 450 persons are watching the movies at both the venues, which has the seating capacity of about 1300 together.

The Response at Woodlands, New Opera and Santhala theater is of no exception, where popular Kannada films are being screened.


Disappointed for cine goers

Most of the avid cine goers in the city are disappointed as the different movies are not screened in dasara mahotsava. There grouse was that several good movies in regional languages like Tamil, Malayam and Telugu movies would have also got prominence. 

Dasara Kavi Sammelan from October 10 to 12

For the first of its kind in history of Mysore Dasara, Dasara Kavi Sammelan will be hosted at five languages. The languages areKannada, Sanskrit, Tulu, Konkani, Kodava and Beary.

The decision has been taken by Dasara Kavi Sammelan Sub-Committee to promote poets of other languages and also to provide platform for all religious people. 

Poets Srinivas Vara Khedi (Sanskrit), Vasanthkumar Parle (Tulu), Hamsa Malara (Beary), Kasturi Govindammaiah (Kodava) and Alwin Dunti (Konkani) will be presenting the poets at the sammelan. 

As many as 85 poets from across state will be presenting their works at the sammelan from date back 10^th century 'Gadhya Poet' to latest Kambara's Chakori Poet. 

Disclosing this to media persons here on Wednesday, Sub-Committee President Prof KS Bhagwan said that Dasara Kavi Goshti has been rechristened as Dasara Kavi Sammelan (poet's meet) from this dasara and will be held from October 10 to 12.

The sammelan will be held under three categories such as Mahila Kavigosthi, Yuva Kavigoshti, and Pradhan Kavi Goshti. Mahila and Yuva Kavi Goshti will be held at JSS Women's College in Saraswathipuram respectively on October 10 and 11, while Pradhan Goshti on October 12 at Jaganmohan palace. Chiguru Kavigoshti which will be held for children has been cancelled this year.

The event will be inaugurated by Litterateur Chandrashekar Patil on October 10 at 10.30. Renowned Artiste KT Shivaprasad will be the chief guests. Noted writers Mallika Ghanti, Lakshmipathi, Narahalli Balasubramanya, Dr AR Mithra, Dr Kamal Hampana, Chanappa Valekar, BA Sanadhi and others will be present.

Poets who present their works are Sukanya Martuthi, MS Veda, Veena Bananje, K Neela, Anasyua Koble, Ratna Kalegowda, Dr Sunandamma;

Chanda Pasha, Veranna Madivala, Dwaranakunte Shathanna, N rajeshwari, Prakash, VM Manjunath, Gubbigudu Ramesh, Dr Netravathi, Shivaji Rao Ganesh, PV Narayan, Dr Rajappa Dalwoy, HS Umesh, Prof Varadaraju will be presenting Gadhyas. While poets Chandrashekar Thalya, Binadatta Desai, KT Chikkannada, Lokesh Agsanakatte, BM Hanish, and others to present Pradhan Kavi Goshti.

Discrimination in presenting honorarium

The Sub-Committee has decided to give an honorarium of Rs 1000 for poets who will representing Pradhan Kavigoshti, while Rs 500 for women and youngsters. When, questioned about this Prof KS Bhagwan said that following lack of fund they have decided to pay Rs 500 for women !

Plans to host circus in Dasara Exhibition Grounds encounters mixed response

A proposal has been sent by a Pune based businessman, to host circus on the three acres of vacant land at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds (the place is adjacent to Ittegegud). Though the proposal is still pending for approval from the concerned authorities, it has a become a subject of conversation following mixed reactions from people residing in the neighbourhood.

As per the sources of the Exhibition authorities, the place earmarked for setting up the circus is not barren. Around 600 odd saplings have already been planted in that place, of which some of them have grown into trees. The plants have to cut down if the place is allocated to the circus in order to provide space for parking and other accommodations.

A section of people opine that it is a good proposal as tourists can now have all entertainment programmes in one place. But, the nearby residents of Ittegegud do not concur. They say it causes lot of inconvenience to them following severe traffic jam coupled with parking problems.

"Its true that the proposal attracts more tourists and generates good income. But, already we are facing severe parking problems. The private vehicles are parked right in front of our houses when parking lots are full. If another entry is provided the traffic problem gets more aggravated," said an irate resident Shankar Kumar of the locality.

Senior Citizen L Ramachandra says: "The officials should take appropriate measures before hosting the circus. If any fire mishap (which had occurred once several years ago) or any inadvertent incident took place the chances of fatal accidents occurring is very high, following lack of proper safety measures in the region. Even the open drain nearby can be dangerous and must be covered first to ensure safety."

Ittegegud resident Hemavathi says: “The inconvenience caused is not going to last for a few days, but stretches over months. The disturbance of loud music, lights too causes lot of inconvenience."

Deputy Commissioner C Shikha said that the proposal has not yet been finalised.

High demand for chats with less calories

Dasara is the time for street side vendors to expect a roaring business. To attract more number of people they keep introducing new dishes to their menus by experimenting various combinations. The Chatwallahs of 'Thindi Beedhi' and Town Hall have adopted simple techniques to give added taste to the chats they prepare on the spot and keep customers asking for more.

Keeping the diet conscious people in mind, chatwallahs have introduced wide variety of low calorie chats. The chats will not only be a delight to the tongue, but also healthy too. They say the chats are not only most sought by localities, but even a large number of tourists visiting from abroad prefer raw vegetables and fruits, apart from items fried using oil or made of rice.

One Raju Mohan, who has been regularly selling assorted varieties of Churmuri in front of Town Hall, experiments with different types of scraped vegetables like carrot, cucumber, baby-corn, tomato, capsicum, onion etc and makes churumuri that are much sought after by many localites as they are not only nutritious but less in calories and tastes good.

Even other vegetables like beetroot, knol knol and sometimes pomegranate are used in the preparation along with nicely chopped coriander leaves to which is added pepper, salt, lemon and tamarind extract to prepare the mixture.

“Majority of the girls who visit these churmuri stalls order vegetable salads or raw vegetable churumuri, which are easily digested, contain no fat and good for health. The foreigners who come here exclusively order only vegetable mixture and relish the taste,” says Raju.

“The vegetables being easily available round the year are quite tasty and easy to digest. Since they are cut and served fresh they are hygiene too, claims chatwallahs.

Rise and Fall of dasara discussed

Mysore District Journalist Association had organised an interaction meet with prominent personalities of different sectors in city on Friday, to discuss about the celebrations of dasara festivals.

Wrestling, tourism, art, culture, tradition, and several other issues were discussed by the guests highlighting several drawbacks practiced during the celebration of world famous dasara. The guests opined that cultural tag with Mysore dasara is disappearing and wrong persons are appointed for dasara sub-committees.

Senior Journalist Krishna Vattam urged government to constitute a permanent authority in the lines of Dasara exhibition authority and organise cultural programmes regularly. “The tradition of dasara is being changed as per the convenience of officials and politicians. Its high time people friendly programmes should be introduced and make people feel the past glory of dasara,” he added.

“Politicians and their followers are appointed for dasara sub committees, which is a big setback. With mere knowledge they fail to coop with the responsibility and lot of chaos are reported every year. Before appointing a person the government should think whether he has knowledge in the filed and can manage,” Pailwan Mahadev.

Talking about Tourism, Hotelier PV Giri pointed out that government does not follow continue policy during dasara. “Three weeks left for dasara, but so far the cultural programmes are not finalised. Its high time a standard policy should be introduced to attract wider generation,” he added.

Prof PV Nanjaraj Urs said that politicians and officers are unaware how to offer floral tribute to goddess chamundeshwari on Jumbo Savari day. Only CM, Mayor, DC should be on the stage, but they are violating rules. Folk art Federation President Mahadevappa said that artistes should be handled with respect.


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750 kg golden howdah not a burden


Senior Journalist Krishna Vattam discussed about cutting down the weight and providing relief to the elephant which carries 750 kg golden howdah. Replying, Historian prof Nanjaraj Urs said that Golden Howdah is major attraction of Jumbo Savari and at any cost the tradition, culture should not be braked.


“For the elephants which weights about 6000 kg, the weight of golden howdah is not a burden. In forest the elephants are used to transport wood logs, which weighs more than 1000 kg. Moreover, if golden howdah is tampered the tradition practice of dasara falls,” he pointed out.

Forest department retired secretary AC Lakshman opined that golden howdah will not be burden for elephant, if the elephant is provided with needed nutritious food. Armed Reserve Police should be deputed surrounded to elephant carrying golden howdah.

Issues discussed

* Yuva Dasara attracts lot of youth. But there is no connection with Yuva Dasara and cultural dasara festival.

* The government should start preparations at least three months ahead of dasara.

* Providing commutable road is a civic duty. But, why the road works are taken up only during dasara

* Government should provide free accommodation at choultries for people coming from far places.

* Citizens should actively take part in dasara activites and imbibe the culture to next generation.

Mangilal family strive to preserve rare art form

 'Kavad' is an ancient Rajasthani artform that dates back 2000 years to the time of King Vikramaditya of Ujjain. Several small wooden panels are joined together to form the shape of a temple which can be opened like a book.

The panels are beautifully handcrafted with bright coloured paintings depicting stories not only from epics like Mahabharatha and Ramayana but also incidents from the life of Buddha, Jesus, Krishna Leela, Durga, Lakshmi,Mahavira and several others.

The artistes narrate the stories unfolding the closed doors of wooden panels which often comes in various sizes. The story ends with revealing the inner shrine that houses the God. Hence it is also called as Mobile Shrine.

But the tragedy is like other traditional art forms, this rare art form too is fast becoming extinct in these modern times with only a handful of artistes left who are practicing it.

Mangilal Mistri belongs to that dwindling tribe of Kumawats who is striving hard to protect this rare Rajasthani art form. 65-year-old Mangilal Mistri aided by his four sons continue to practice Kavad' in spite of facing severe hardships the prominent of them being the sky-rocketing prices of colours, scarcity of wood coupled with a lukewarm response from people.

"I have been practicing it since my childhood. I along with my family are dedicated to preserving this artform for the next generation. I start my work daily invoking the name of God. The unfolding shrine which in the end reveals the deity at the centre, captures the attention of the viewers. I feel happy in their appreciation,” added Mangilal, an artist hailing from Bansi, Rajasthan, who is settled in Udaypur for the past five decades.

Mangilal’s son Chandraprakash says: “We narrate incidents from mythologyand create Kavad using bark of mango, teak and other trees A very few number of artists are left struggling to preserve this rare art form and its high time the Government should take measures to help the artisans and also to protect this rare art form.”

The duo are suing this rare art form to educate villagers about several government schemes and current issues with the help of NGOs. The family members have even expertise in creating Rajasthan traditional puppets, mask making, wall paintings and others.

Mid-day meal tragedy: A eye-opener

The mid-day meal tragedy which took the life of 6 year-old school girl Anusha, after she accidentally fell into hot sambar vessel, has turned into a wake up call for the Education Department in Mysore.

Though so far no tragic incidents of the sort has been reported from Mysore which too comes under Akshara Dasoha Scheme, the DDPI taking no chances has sent out clear instructions to schools to take additional precautionary measures in the kitchen both while preparing food and also while serving.

Several schools have already put up notices in front of kitchens warning children not to enter the kitchen. Instructions have been given to the cook and the helper to serve food only from smaller vessels instead of moving around huge vessels while serving food.

The Head Masters have begun personally monitoring the cooking and have even deputed a teacher to look into the preparations of mid-day meal on rotation basis. The staff opine that when children are made to stand in queue there are chances that they push each other and fall down. To avoid repetition of such incidents schools have started serving food after children are made to sit on the floor.

The teachers after reading over reports of Anusha's tragic death are creating awareness among children not to enter kitchen or go anywhere near cooking vessels.

Government Bifurcated Higher Primary School Head Mistress K Nagarathnamma said that the children are not allowed inside the kitchen. “Earlier they were entering the kitchen to wash hands as the wash basin was located inside the kitchen. But now we have decided not to take any chance and shifted it to open ground outside. This prevents children from entering the kitchen altogether,' she added.


BB Garden School Head Master Basavaraju said that they have adopted several precautionary measures which are announced during prayer time asking children not to enter kitchen.


DDPI BK Basavaraj said that appropriate safety measures have been taken and a circular has been dispatched asking head masters to take utmost care and attention.

Foreign students to assist tourists during Dasara

Mysore: Thanks for the initiative of Dasara Tourism which has planned to assist foreigners coming to Mysore to watch Dasara in their respective native language. As many as 62 foreign students of various colleges affiliated to Mysore University are being selected to provide information to the visiting tourists in twelve foreign languages during the 9 day Dasara festivities.

How it functions

By calling the toll free number 1077, the visiting tourist has to provide information about his country's name or the language he is familiar with. Immediately their call will be transferred to the concerned foreign student who is conversant with that language, who will provide information about places of visit, accommodation and other queries.

The selected students have already undergone a training and the tourism department has provided them the related brochures, list of Dasara events and related contact numbers to seek help in case they need more information.

Around 5 foreign students have been selected for each prominent language who are offering this service voluntarily and will not be paid any hanoroium.

Tourism Sub-Committee Member Manjunath said that this will benefit hundreds of tourists who will be visiting Mysore.

Kiosks at 16 places

Around 42 students who underwent training conducted by the Dept. of Tourism have been asked to work at 16 kiosks in two shifts set up at various places in the city. The students will provided with all the relevant information commonly asked by the tourists related to Mysore and also about Dasara.

The students will also provide information about the newly launched, 'hop on hop off service' conducted by the KSRTC. Around 15 students have been selected from places like Srirangapatna, Talakadu, T Narasipura and other taluks.

Around 25,000 brochures containing brief historical description of Mysore City, route map has been printed and will be distributed to visitors through this kiosks.

The Kiosks will be set up at St Philomena's Church, Zoo, Ambavilas Palace Varaha Gate, Sub-Urban bus stand, Chamundi Hill, Mysore Airport, Railway Station, Balarama Dwara, Railway Station and one at Back entry of railway station, Dasara Exhibition Grounds, Somanathapura, Srirangapatna, Nanjangud, Talakadu, Hunsur, T Narasipur.

Dasara Tourism to be tourist friendly

Dasara Tourism Sub-Committee President YN Shankaregowda here on Thursday, announced various steps taken to promote Tourism in Mysore during Dasara. Eight Sarots and nine Tongas have been selected to encourage traditional Dasara Tonga. The tongawallahs will be provided with uniform, Mysore Peta, and Rs 1000 honorarium for nine days of Dasara festivities.


Stating that after Delhi, the Hop On Hop Off service is being introduced only in Mysore, he said eight buses (including three volvo buses) have been exclusively used for the service and they will be given a modern touch so that tourists can identity these buses easily.


The hop on hop off bus connects 16 tourist places where a pre-recorded audio will provide information to tourists about the particular the place they are visiting as and when the bus reaches a paticular destination. The fair is Rs 100 for volvo bus and Rs 60 for regular bus.


The bus service which starts from and culminates at the City Bus Stand covers Jagan Mohan Palace, Sachchidananda Ashrama, Uttanahalli Temple, Chamundi Hill, Nandi Statue, Karanji Lake, Zoo, St Philomena's Church, Railway Station Museum, Kalamandira, DC Office, Crawford Hall and joins 100 feet road finally reaching the bus-stand.

“Incomplete works in heart of the city spoils beauty of city”

Hardly thirteen days left for the inauguration of World Famous Dasara Mahotsava. But if one visit the heart of the center, specially the stretch surrounding to the palace the apathy unfolds.

The roads are in very dilapidated condition and much hyped so-called 'Raja Marga' works are still going on. The route of Dasara Procession is of no exception. Not only in city even the situation of roads in outskirts are in very bad condition. Heap of debris can be seen lying on road side in several places and roads filled with potholes, unscientific humps welcome the tourists. As usual the authorities are busy with 'last minute road repair works'. Here is the tete-a-tete with citizens about the bad condition of roads.

A vendor Tirupathi says: “From last three years temporarily road repair works are being completed and after dasara the works will be taken up again.

Even last year on the neck movement they covered the incomplete works with mud, crushed stone. After two months of dasara, the officials again dug the road and so far have not completed the works.”


The tax payers money is going under gutter and seems no one bother about this. Its very disgusting to enter heart of the city with lack of basic amenities. The beauty of the city is getting spoiled for the interest of few people,” senior citizen Hanumantha, resident of Agrahara.


“With Dasara fast approaching the work on the road is far from completion. The road repair works are going on in a snail's pace and either the City Corporation nor the District Administration have taken the issue seriously,” Bindushree, a resident of Nazarbad.


“About 90 per cent of roads in city are in bad condition. The officials, elected representatives should take civic issues serious and work honestly considering the development of city and their responsibilities,” Rajkumar resident of Kukkarahalli.


“Elected representatives always speak of making city a tourist hub, but fail to be tourist friendly. Its high time the government should give first priority for haunting civic issues,” he added.


Mysore City Corporation PG Ramesh said that before dasara road works surrounding to palace will be completed and remaining works will be taken up after dasara.

Curzon Park to become a educative hub for women during this dasara

Though Curzon park is not so popular like its counterpart Cubbon Park in Bangalore, will become the star crowd puller with special programmes being scheduled to be held this Dasara. The visitors will have an opportunity to enrich their knowledge about varieties of horticulture crops. Specially for women the venue will turn out to be an education and information center.

Officials of Horticulture Department have planned to educate general public about conservation of wild-life and forest, soil erosion and various other issues related to environment in addition to the importance of bio-diversity. Apart from these plans have been made to host entertainment and educational programmes that create awareness among people about horticulture crops.

An exclusive 'nutrition food farm' will be set-up to inform women and children about the types of commonly used foods and vegetables and the nutritional value it contains. This would educate people on how to combat malnutrition by using appropriate fruits and vegetables in their daily cooking.

But the novel feature of this Dasara would be women will be created awareness about roof top gardening, terrace gardening, vertical gardening and even wall gardening. They will be taught how to grow vegetables, flowers, including ornamental flowers in small pots with simple procedures. By adopting these simple techniques at home women can not only enrich the beauty of the house but also grow vegetables for themselves whose prices are sky-rocketing these days say officials.

For first time Bonsai competition has been organised for women. Apart this a photo exhibition will be held on wild life and flower shows pictures snapped in curzon park. Other competitions include vegetable and fruit carving, Flower Rangoli competition, Ikabena competition; Indian flower show competition, Photography competition, and much more.

Another interesting feature of the flower show is introduction of exotic vegetables from the West such as Hybrid Petunia of Holland, vegetables from European countries like european cucumber, Kale, prokale, bressleaf, spinach, amongst other varieties of vegetables. The plants nurtured in nursery will be exhibited and information will be provided on how to grow these plants to the curious visitors.


The park is all set for flower show, and the officials have planted varieties of colourful flowers and vegetable plants. This time more information will be given on Horticulture.

Women empowerment to take center note at Mahila Dasara

This year women dasara will not only be a platform for women to showcase their talent, whereas a medium to educate populace about women empowerment and gender discrimination.

A empowered women not only bring changes in society, whereas contributes to the economic development of country. With this backdrop,

Mahila Dasara Sub-Committee has organised a rally from Palace to JK Grounds to drew the attention of people towards women empowerment.

The aim of the rally is to boost confidence, remove fear among women and empower them on various aspects like how to over come poverty, contribution to society in health, education sector, how to live with freedom and much more. Women and Children Dasara Secretary NR Vijay said the rally empowers women boosting confidence and skills.

Dance by tribal women

Apart this, the Mahila Dasara will be perfect platform to showcase their talent in beauty, cooking, art and culture. A group of 15 tribal women from HD Kote are all set to steal the show at Mahila Dasara by their rural traditional dance.

Bride of India

Another interesting and eye catching event which will be host is “Bride of India”, an Indian Wedding contest. Women dressed as brides, walk on the red carpet depicting culture of various states in India.

The event will also be an informative programme to introduce people of Mysore, of other culture and tradition. The contest will be a cynosure of all eyes to watch the amalgamation of various culture, say programme organisers.
Traditional Cooking Contest

To introduce the tradition of the particular region, a traditional cooking competition has been organised. The women from different spheres will prepare and exhibit their traditional dishes of the region

For senior citiznes

Apart from women, senior citizens will also enthrall audience through dance, drama and other cultural programmes. The senior citizens will also take part in sports activities.

Women and Child Development Minister Umashree will inaugurate Mahila Dasara on October 7 at JK Grounds.

Transgenders, homosexuals, and sex workers to be part of dasara

If everything goes as per the plan, members of Ashodaya Samithi, a society involved in the welfare and rehabilitation of sex workers will not only enthrall visitors during dasara though cultural programmes, whereas assist tourists at Kiosks, and set up exclusive stall at Dasara Food Mela, dedicated for HIV Aids patients.

About 20 transgenders, homosexuals, and sex workers, who are good in singing, dancing, mono acting, theater have approached cultural and women sub-committee members to be part of dasara cultural activities.

While, those have good communication skill and command over English language have approached tourism department to provide them the opportunity to assist tourist at Kiosks. An another group of members have approached food mela sub-committee to erect stall.

Ashodaya Samithi core team Member Fathima said talks have been held with concerned members and on Saturday they will be submitting the applications. “If opportunity is provided, it will be a platform to showcase our talent and inform people we are equal in the society,” she added.

Nutritious Food

An exclusive stall to educate people affected with HIV/AIDS will be placed at food mela, by a group of members who have undergone training at Food Science and Nutrition Department, University of Mysore, among people effected with HIV/AIDS.

Ashodaya Samithi Integrated Supportive Officer Seema said the food system of HIV/AIDS patients is entirely different and through the stall the HIV/AIDS people will be educated about food habit they have to practice in their day to day life, to combat malnutrition and develop immune system.

Officers quote:

Food Mela Secretary Dakappa said the Samithi members have approached the Sub-Committee and likely their applications will be considered. Tourism Sub-Committee Chairman YT Shankaregowda said genuine efforts will be made to depute two persons in the kiosks. Cultural Sub-committee Secretary Nirmala Matapathi said in a day or two the participants list will be shortlisted and they will look into the applications of Samithi.

Last darbar bakshi of Mysore palace recalls regal glory

Before the state government took over the responsibility of holding the annual Dasara events and made it a Naada Habba (state festival), supervision was entirely in the hands of the Darbar Bakshi, or, the master of ceremonies, appointed by the king.

The last surviving Bakshi is 84-year-old H D Gopal Raj Urs, who was the chief of the ‘Avasarada department’, the name given to the group to oversee the arrangements for the Dasara festivities. The first Palace Bakshi was Ambal Narasimha Iyenger.

Under the department, the members draft the schedule of public events held within the Palace, not only during Dasara, but also of all other royal events inside the Mysore Palace.

Gopal Raj Urs, a resident of Srirampura, who holds a BA degree, was appointed as Bakshi in 1964, the year Jayachamraja Wodeyar passed away.

Urs rendered service till 1971 with a starting salary of `300 and drew his last salary of `1,000. He has witnessed two major events of the royal family — the wedding of Jayachamaraja Wodeyar and his coronation in 1940, after Nalwadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar died. Urs was seven years old then.

Recalling the Dasara celebrations in the 1940’s , Urs said, “In the earlier days, a Nishane elephant went ahead of the Dasara procession carrying a royal flag, which symbolised the commencement of festivities. It was followed by the king’s cavalry, local artistes, Maharaja’s body guards and prominent Palace officers riding on horses.

“The king, seated in the golden howdah on the royal elephant rode in the middle of the procession accompanied by performers on stilts on either side. En route, flowers and fruits offered by merchants were handed over to these performers who, in turn, handed them to the king,” Urs recalled.

All preparations were completed two months ahead. These included the list of dignitaries to be invited, fixing the timings of the pujas and other rituals.

The king ascended the throne exactly at the auspicious time prescribed by the royal priest. His first visit was to the Ganesha temple near Amba Vilas followed by the Navagraha Puja before entering the Darbar Hall.

Gopal Raj Urs said: “Till 1969, the Darbar was held at the main Darbar hall and the king used to ascend the golden throne, which was assembled seven days prior to the event. Once the throne was assembled, no one was allowed inside.”

“After independence, Karnataka’s first Chief Minister Chengalaraya Reddy, accompanied by six cabinet ministers, took part in the first-ever Dasara. The ministers attended the Darbar wearing the traditional Durbar dress.

“When the palace administration came to end and the private Dasara was introduced for the first time in 1970, Jayachamaraja Wodeyar placed his ‘kankana’ and the royal sword on the Golden Throne (Simhasana) and left for Bandipur. After eight days, he returned and took part in the Ayudha Puja. This is the one of the unforgettable incidences in my life.” he said.

Unforgettable incident

When the Palace administration came to end and the private dasara was introduced for the first time in 1970, Jayachamaraja Wodeyar placed his 'kankana' and the royal sword on the Golden Throne (Simhasana) and left for Bandipur. After eight days he returned and took part in Ayudha Puja by performing Puja for vehicles and arms inside the armory. This is the one of the unforgettable scene in my life.

How the King's ruled the city

Dressed in ordinary clothing the Wodeyars used to go on a horse across the city and listened to the grievances of the people. If any of the roads were found to be in bad condition or any developmental work was lacking immediate action was initiated against the concerned Tashildars. As soon as people saw the King's entourage approaching, they stood aside with folded hands bowing in respect. The roads were in pretty good condition those days.

Brief introduce of Gopal

Gopal Raj Urs who holds a Hons in BA was appointed as the Bakshi in 1964 the very year when the erstwhile ruler Sri Jayachamraja Wodeyar passed away. He has rendered service till 1971 and had drawn his last salary Rs 1000 (Rs 300 when joined). He has witnessed two major events of the royal family, that is wedding of Jayachamaraja Wodeyar and the other his coronation in 1940, ascending the throne as the King of Mysore, after the demise of Nalwadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar.

Reminiscing the old days he said that after the British gave their consent to perform the coronation and issued a letter accordingly, the ceremonies were held which went on for three days.

He further informed that the first Palace Bakshi was Ambal Narasimha Iyenger and later the tradition has continued with Gopal family members. He says: “I enjoyed lot rendering service in place, watching place activities, and royal families very closely.”

Toddler wooden toys expo in city

Here comes good news for the children. For the first of its kind in Mysore, a toddler wooden toys exhibition will be held in city from October 2 to 6 at Mysore Art Gallery. The expo will not only be educative and informative for the children, whereas provides hints on art and culture.

Verities of utilities, toys, key bunch, folding bag, jugs and tumblers created out of bamboo, tradition of other states, puzzles, abacus, gemetric puzzle, montessers, wooden pull toy, toys related to dasara and much more will be exhibited.

The toys are created in such a way that they are not only eco friendly, free of toxicity, whereas very safe. There is no sharp edges for any of the toys and are painted with Eco-freindly colours. Moreover, the durability of the toy is high and can be used from generation to generations.

“In this modern times young mind have no idea about how educative and informative are wooden toys. This expo will provide glimpse for children,” says senior artistes Shivalingappa of Mysore Art Gallery.

Meet the toy maker

Do you know the wooden toys was first introduced by a Mysorean seven decades ago. He was the first from city to export the wooden toys to Europe, United States, Japan, Garman and other countries. His commitment for the overall development of young minds is a testimony. He is none other than the Mysore's Senior Artiste late Veerappan.

Being a painter he ventured in art and culture and showed people how art can be commercialised. He introduced varieties of puzzles, toys and introduce new art form. The speciality of the toys shows Veerappan's commitment he had towards society. The Wooden Toys industry was shut down since 2004. The woods used to prepare toys were rubber, beech and pine trees. In memory of their father, V Praphulla Chandra and V Satish Praphulla Chandra have organised the exhibition.

Mahouts family members have never ventured out

This might be strange but true. Though residing right inside the Palace and have been visiting year after year, these people haven't ventured out to see how the city looks  like.

The State Government had taken initiative to introduce rural folk the glimpse of Dasara through Dasara Darshana, but it has failed to reach the families of the Mahouts and kavadis, who bring elephants for the Dasara and stay at palace for more than 45 days and return back to their dwellings only after dasara festivities.

For some mahouts the city is only procession route, what they witness while taking elephants for a stroll. Whereas few mahouts and kavadis manage to visit city market and Mysore Zoo in their free time, while their wives and children never get the opportunity.

The sole intention of 'Dasara Darshana' is bringing first time visitors to the city, especially nomads, tribals and people residing in remote villages who never visited the city even once, and providing them the opportunity of being part of historic Dasara. But the family members of Mahouts and Kavadis are deprived of this opportunity.

Pavithra who has been visiting the city with her husband during Dasara for the past eight years says: “I am scared of the traffic and might lose my way if I venture out, as I don't know any place here. I am quite eager to go around the city only if someone accompanies.”

“We come to Palace and return back with our family immediately after Dasara is over. We spend time by cooking food for the husband and children. Only once I had accompanied my husband to the city market and that was around two years ago,” said Lakshmi, another member of the visiting Kavadi's.

“Though we have been visiting Mysore Palace for the past 25 years, I have only been to the Zoo once and watched a movie in the nearby theater. But for this, I have not seen any other place,” says Rama, a mahout.

When contacted Dasara Darshan Committee Member HM Ramesh, he said the issue will be put forth in committee's next meeting.

Woman to create replica of Golden Throne in dasara

 A replica of the Golden Throne placed inside the Darbar Hall will be the major attraction in this year's dasara flower show. Sandhya Yadav, a resident of Bangalore will create it using around one lakh of dutch roses of different colours such as red, yellow, orange and pink.
Artificial semi precious pearls will be used to decorate the throne.
The height of the throne will be 12 feet in height, breadth around 8 to 10 feet, while length will be 18 feet. About 45 persons will work for three days round the clock from October 3. About 30 persons are working on fabrication, while 15 persons decorate flowers, and embed stones on the structures.
The surrounding place of the throne will be decorated on the lines of Darbar Hall using lilies and anthurium flowers. The cost of the entire model is approximated around Rs 8 lakh.
“This is my first visit to Mysore during dasara. I am really feeling proud to be part of Dasara activities. It's dream cum true,” she said, adding that the basic structure of golden throne will be done by her colleague Uma Shankar. Horticulture officials, claim this is the first time women being exhibiting works.
Sandhya has undergone training from the teachers of So-getsu School , (a natural grass with droplets) situated in Tokyo. She is not only good at flower arrangements but also in vertical gardening, terrarium (bottle gardening), tray gardening, miniature landscape, hanging gardening, Hydrophonic (the art of growing plants as a medium), Aquaphonics growing vegetables and fishes in the same unit and much more.
By making use of discarded water pipes, scrap pieces of wood and used plastic bottles, beautiful designs can be created, without shelling much money, she revealed.

Her earlier works
She has exhibited her works in ten district across state. She does decoration to Lord Ventakeshwara in Tirupathi during Vaikunata Yakadashi and has created Ganda Bherunda, Krishna Leela, Kalinga Mardana, River Cauvery taking birth from the hills of Pushpagiri and Brahmagiri Hills, Cinderella, Barbie Doll and several others. She has plans of opening an floral and herbal horticulture institute.
“Though I had the opportunity to take part in the international flower shows being held at Singapore and Netherland, I couldn't participate their due to financial constraints,” she added.
Stating her grand father Mobbanna Raju, then Director of Horticulture Department used to take her to the gardens in her school holidays, she said with opposition from parents, she has ventured into urban horticulture sector.
Interestingly after completing BSC in electronics, and working for a company for about eight months and earning handful of money, she has quit the job with the keen interest she had in horticulture and flower arrangement. After taking loans from the bank, she has started a floral designing company in Bangalore a decade ago.

Unseen hands which feed elephants

Meet this group of six people who are supplying fodder for the elephants during dasara. They are Chotu alias Babu, Ravi, Nanjappa, Basavaraju, Veerappan and Siddaramaiah. The team headed by Chottu, a resident of Rajiv Nagar, informed that one week prior to the arrival of jumbos from the forest the team members venture out to trace the location of banyan trees and advance the farmers.

The group leaves the city in the morning around 6.30 am in search of the banyan tree of the remote villages of Pandavapura, Bedarahalli, Sindahalli, Belikere, Gagenahjalli, Dharmapura, and other surrounding areas. They unload the banyan branches daily two times. In the past 15 yerars they have bid the tender several times.

The team members say they will not do any other work in two months of dasara season. Babu says he has been feed the elephants for about 6-7 years and expressed pleasure at being a part of dasara activities.
Though a majority of the elephants don't like to eat the leaves of the banyan tree, enjoy eating the branches. Veterniary Doctor Nagaraj said that the stems are rich in fiber and the elephants find them tastier.

Rs 32 lakh spent for maintenance of dasara jumbos

Do you know how much does it cost to maintain the elephants that participate in the Dasara festivities for about 45 to 50 days? Its Rs 32 lakh. This is the approximated amount spent for the maintenance of 14 dasara elephants that have arrived from different camps to royal city Mysore.

The expenditure also includes amount spent for elephant caretakers and their family members, who will be residing at the temporary shelter in palace. Per day an average of Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500 spent on each elephants. The cost includes everything right from their transportation to the city from the forests, fodder, medicines including the cost of rope and chains used to bind them as well as the cost of Namra and gadhi (soft cloth placed on elephants).


Deputy Conservator of Forests Devaraj said that for food alone of elephants an average of Rs 20 lakh will be spent. The government has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh, while the District Administration sanctions Rs 7 lakh.
The foods supplied to elephants include banyan tree branches, jaggery, sugarcane, coconut, crushed ground nut extracts, Paddy, and other food which are rich in nutritious, and proteins.