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Mysuru Dasara draws crowds and boosts business, but traffic chaos, low folk artist pay and elephant welfare concerns remain

Mysuru Dasara draws crowds and boosts business, but traffic chaos, low folk artist pay and elephant welfare concerns remain

Elephant welfare concerns emerged during the 11-day Mysuru Dasara celebrations in Mysuru, Karnataka, alongside traffic chaos, venue overcrowding, and issues regarding artist remuneration. Tourism stakeholders C A Narayanagowda, C A Jayakumar, and B S Prashanth urged the government to form a dedicated tourism and Dasara authority to improve planning and amenities. Narayanagowda stated, “Dasara ofcourse got a turnover of at least Rs 100 crore to the hospitality industry.” Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh intervened to provide additional toilet facilities and meals for tableaux artists after concerns were raised. A total of 1,650 folk artists, including 247 women and 180 performers from other states, participated, arriving on October 17, with rehearsals held at Chamundi Vihar Stadium on October 18 and 19 and practice sessions at the Palace premises on October 20. Artists and environmentalists called for better basic infrastructure, establishment of a Kalagrama, and improved pay, while authorities face ongoing scrutiny over animal welfare and event management.

Sources

Deccan Herald

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