Revellers and tourists in Mysuru topped up their new year celebrations by witnessing a dazzling display of fireworks above the iconic palace.
Fireworks lit up the sky above the century-old heritage monument for the first time, and this new initiative is reckoned to be an experiment. This may be improvised and could be a permanent feature in the years ahead. Mysuru will join the cities of Sydney and New York, which boast of impressive fireworks lighting up their landmark monuments and structures to ring in the new year.
Braving the chilly weather, people began trooping in towards the Jayamartanda gate to get a vantage view of the illuminated palace in the background and the fireworks in the foreground. As the countdown began and one lakh bulbs lit up the palace with still a minute to go for the clock to strike 12, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd who were all admiration for the sudden transformation in the ambience. Seconds later, fireworks lit up the sky signalling the beginning of 2017. The fireworks lasted about seven minutes but the palace illumination was on for additional 15 minutes, after which the crowd dispersed. It is for the first time that the palace was also illuminated at midnight and what was witnessed may become a standard feature given the public response to fireworks as it was meant to be a low-key trial event.
The district administration and the Palace Board had organised flower show in the run up to the new year and there were a slew of classical and semi-classical cultural programmes followed by a brilliant performance by the famed Mysuru police band, who regaled the audience with their impeccable rendering.
For a city that is not known for a vibrant night life, this new initiative brought the people outdoors in large numbers to congregate at the city’s best known landmark.
