Seats for Jamboo Savari reduced to 40,000

Minister says decision taken for safety & better crowd management; last year 65,000 people watched the spectacle

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Mysuru

IN a major change to this year's Dasara celebrations, the number of seats for the grand Dasara Jamboo Savari on the Mysuru Palace premises has been reduced to 40,000 from last year's 65,000, announced District Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa.

He said the move comes after an assessment by the district administration, which has also decided to block entry beyond the permitted capacity for better crowd management and safety.

Addressing newsmen here on Sunday after chairing a meeting of officials and Dasara subcommittee heads, Mahadevappa said 19 sub-committees' working presidents have submitted reports on the progress of preparations. "Dasara is an inclusive festival, above religion and caste, and this year arrangements are being made to ensure safety, order, and wider participation," he said.

Expressing happiness on the response to the Yuva Sambhrama which is underway with participation from 480 school and college students under various themes, he said the event will conclude on September 17.