Karnataka - Mysore   

Row over choice of person to inaugurate Dasara fete

Special Correspondent

`Atheists and self-proclaimed intellectuals should steer clear of such festivities' `Atheists and self-proclaimed intellectuals should steer clear of such festivities'

MYSORE: There is always some controversy regarding Dasara celebrations every year. This year, it has erupted much ahead of the countdown for the celebrations, which begins with inauguration of "gaja payana.'

While the mahouts have raised a ruckus over poor remuneration, there is simmering discontent among a few who have expressed their reservation over the Government's choice of the individual to inaugurate the festivities.

Rare privilege

Being selected to inaugurate the nine-day festivities is considered a rare privilege. Eminent personalities including scientist C.N.R. Rao; educationist H. Narasimhaiah, litterateurs, and cine artistes were invited in recent times.Some of these personalities such as the late Narasimhaiah have been confirmed atheists.

He sprang a surprise by agreeing to inaugurate the festivities atop Chamundi Hills with traditional rituals. This sparked off a debate across the State and the educationist took the stance that the tradition and culture of the State should be kept alive as it acted as a cohesive force in keeping together various factions in society.

Baragur Ramachandrappa, who inaugurated the festivities last year, tried to instil a new insight into the philosophical significance of Dasara.

He dwelt at length on the Hindu mythology and underlined that the destruction of evil and triumph of good was preceded by violence.

This year, the Government has hinted that the festivities will be inaugurated by litterateur and theatre personality Girish Karnad or scientist U.R. Rao. There have been suggestions that cricketer Rahul Dravid or poet Chennaveera Kanavi could be invited.

Resentment

The inclusion of Girish Karnad among the probable personalities for the inauguration has not gone down well with the orthodox sections. "Sri Ramasena" has said that atheists and self-proclaimed intellectuals should steer clear of such festivities and the Government should not invite them.

Mr. Ramachandrappa's comments during the inauguration last year allegedly hurt religious sentiments.

It was shocking that the Government was keen on inviting Girish Karnad who was a self-proclaimed atheist, the organisation.

Religious fervour

Such controversies regarding choice of person for inauguration gets drowned in the religious fervour during the nine-day celebrations.

The same is the case with the row surrounding the mahouts who threaten to boycott the festivities seeking better working conditions and are mollified at the last minute with the assurance that their "demands would be conceded".

Award of tenders

The two controversies are bound to come up this year too. Also, issues such as "irregularities" in the award of tenders to conduct the Dasara exhibition and complaints of ignoring local artistes for cultural programmes.

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