Date:02/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/02/stories/2005100218040300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Sponsors to add colour to Dasara celebrations

Staff Reporter

Government has secured sponsorship worth Rs. 80 lakhs

BANGALORE: The Government, which is all set to hold the annual 10-day Dasara celebrations in Mysore from October 4 at a cost of Rs. 2 crores, is looking for sponsors to add colour to the traditional event.

Deputy Commissioner of Mysore district S. Selvakumar, Commissioner of the Mysore City Corporation Ibrahim, and Superintendent of Police Vipul Kumar told presspersons here on Saturday that the Government has entered into an agreement with many sponsors, including banks, the TVS Company, Mysore Sales International Limited, and Infosys. It has secured sponsorship worth Rs. 80 lakhs compared with Rs. 52 lakhs last year. The Government is looking for more sponsors to promote tourism in and around Mysore, they added.

They said the Government has made arrangements to introduce adventure sports., including bungee jumping, aqua scooting, parasailing, canoeing, and powered hang-gliding. It will also organise various competitions. The Government hopes to attract sponsors to support the event, they added.

During the Dasara celebrations, cultural events, such as Carnatic and Hindustani concerts, pop music shows, and traditional and modern dance performances, will be arranged. Reputed musicians, dancers, and artistes will participate in the programmes which will held at the sprawling quadrangle of the Mysore Palace.

Cultural troupes from Sri Lanka, Africa and Nepal will take part in the event. A film festival, food mela, air show, theatre festival, vintage car exhibition, pet show, poet's meet, traditional sports and games, including wrestling matches, will be organised.