MYSORE: A slice of royal splendour will unfold to a sea of humanity as Mysore goes all out to woo tourists with its trademark Dasara festivities from Saturday.

Conjuring up images that are exotic and surreal, the cultural razzmatazz lined up for the next 10 days is a heady mix of classical and modern that caters to different tastes and age groups alike.

The event is special as it is the Suvarna Karnataka year, and the Government has affirmed its decision to make Dasara a grand affair.

Poet G. Narayan will light the lamp and declare the event open atop the Chamundi Hill at 8.05 a.m. The inauguration will be preceded by a traditional puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari. The "utsava murthy" of the Goddess has been given a lustrous polish. The silver chariot on which it will be placed has been assembled by temple priests.

Recognised as the fulcrum, which drives tourism industry in the region, the celebrations may help redefine Dasara as an event that helps unveil Brand Mysore to a larger audience, and promote it as a city with a hoary past and a bright future.

And Dasara has been recognised as a singular event whose success, with sufficient publicity, can build Brand Mysore and propel development by creating a favourable impression among investors.

It is no wonder that "Mysore Dasara" has undergone a transformation in recent years and the festival has a blend of religious elements with socio-cultural components. But the emphasis is on the economic returns and thrust is on tourism promotion.

Corporate sponsorship of events, a concept that was considered a sacrilege till recently, is encouraged and the authorities hope to generate Rs. 75 lakh this year.

Hence, the authorities have not left any stone unturned, and the Government is on an overdrive with various departments working in coordination to ensure its success.

For the tourists, Mysore will present a picture perfect of an oriental romance as caparisoned elephants march in the backdrop of the illuminated palace lending a royal touch to the 10-day celebrations culminating with the Vijayadashmi procession on October 2.

The golden throne will be on display for 10 days.

This is the only occasion when the public can catch a glimpse of the throne as it will be dismantled and kept in the strong room under heavy security the rest of the year.

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