Karnataka - Mysore   

Treat yourself to a grand festival spread

Special Correspondent

Dasara celebrations to begin in Mysore on September 23

MYSORE: Mysore will be the place to be from September 23 as the city celebrates Dasara in all its grandeur.

Pick and choose from the rich repertoire of Indian classical music and dance with the illuminated palace as the backdrop or listen to Hariharan of the erstwhile Colonial Cousins, among a host of other programmes.

Teenyboppers can sway to the music of Karunya of Indian Idol fame at Yuva Dasara while gastronomists can savour an array of ethnic food at the food mela. Those keen on taking in the heritage of the city can participate in the Heritage Walk. The list of events is almost endless and varied.

Continuity and change

The Dasara celebrations in Mysore have evolved with time and represents both continuity and change. Incorporating contemporary elements without compromising the religious aspects, the nine-day festivities will see an array of events that will interest both domestic and international tourists.

The inaugural night will feature dazzling fireworks atop Chamundi Hills, and the Dasara Music Festival will begin with a light music or sugama sangeetha concert, "Kannadave Sathya," by C. Ashwath at 6 p.m.

Other noted artistes who will hold connoisseurs of music in thrall include Rajan and Sajan Mishra, renowned Hindustani vocalists who will perform on September 24; a violin concert by Ganesh and Kumaresh on September 25, a Hindustani vocal recital by Vinayak Torpe on September 26, and a sarod concert by Ayan Ali Khan and Aman Ali Khan on September 27.

Vocalist Unnikrishnan will present a Carnatic classical concert on September 28 and a Mohiniattam performance by Gopika Varma is slated for September 29. The renowned Rudrapattnam Brothers will present a Carnatic classical concert on September 30, and Subendra Rao of Delhi will present a sitar concert the same evening. There will be a dance-drama feature on October 1 by Maya Rao.

Yuva Dasara programmes, introduced a few years ago, will be held from September 25 to 30 and will feature Pratichi of Viva fame at 6.30 p.m. on September 25. Ghazal and Indipop singer Hariharan will belt out his numbers on September 26 with a host of other artistes from Mumbai.

The other notable performers at the Yuva Dasara concerts include Karunya who will perform on September 27.

Watch out for Carnatic-Jazz fusion on September 29 while "Swara Sinchana," a concert featuring Sunita of TVS Sa Re Ga Ma fame and Ravi Shekar of Yadhe Thumbi Haduvenu programme.

Other programmes include the Dasara film festival, Dasara sports, a half marathon, an aero show (September 27 and 28) and a food mela from September 23 to October 1. The national wrestling championship will be held from September 23 to 26. Karate makes its debut and a State-level karate championship will be held at Chamundi Vihar Stadium on September 23 and 24.

Venues

The venues for the cultural programmes are Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Town Hall, Veene Seshanna Bhavan and Kalamandira. The programme schedule is available on the website www.mysoredasara.com.

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