Political impasse not to affect Dasara festival: Minister

Mysore, Oct 3 (UNI) Karnataka Cooperatives Minister G T Deve Gowda today said political uncertainties over transfer of power in the state would not affect the famous Dasara celebration here, commencing from October 11.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Gowda said elaborate arrangements were made for the ten-day festival.

As many as nine-sub committees had been formed to take up various programmes at different places. The total expenditure expected was nearly Rs five crore.

The three-km-long procession, one of the main events of the festival, would be flagged off by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

A dance performance by film artiste Hema Malini would add colour to the concluding day's programmes on October 20.

The festivities would be inaugurated by Shivakumaraswamiji of Siddaganga Mutt of Tumkur at the Chamundi Hills.

'Yuva Dasara' would be held from October 13 to 20, in which Kannada Music Director Gurukiran and singers Uthauthappa, Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chouhan would enthral the crowd.

The programme would be inaugurated by Kannada film star Vishunuvardhan on October 13.

Sports events would be held from October 12 to 14 with more than 2,300 sportspersons participating in it.

The district administration would organise a wrestling competition from October 12 to 18, both at the state and national level, in which 500 wrestlers would take part.

Mr Gowda said a week-long film festival -- October 12 to 17--would also be held.

Mass band programme by the State Police would be held in front of the Palace, besides an air show on October 17.

UNI