The hospitality and the tourism sector in Mysuru is hopeful of a high tourist turnout during the low season in view of the Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola in February 2018.
The Mahamastakabhisheka or the grand anointment to the 57-ft statue of the Jain deity Bahubali or Gomateshwara is held once in 12 years and draws pilgrims from across the world. This is apart from domestic and international tourists keen to witness the spectacle that is both unique and colourful.
The event has a historical significance given the belief that it is being unceasingly held every 12 years ever since the free-standing sculpture was carved out of a rock in 981 A.D. by the Ganga dynasty Minister Chamundaraya. So by this yardstick the fothcoming Mahamastakabhisheka will be the 88th edition in the 12-year series, as per the belief. Though the events are officially slated to be held from February 17 to 25, the ceremonies and the associated spectacle of the anointment will extend for a few more months for the public if previous experience is anything to go by.
Low season
This has buoyed the tourism sector in Mysuru as the anointment will coincide with the onset of the low season here. The peak tourism season in Mysuru begins in October during Dasara and hits a high during December/January after which there is a lull for 3 months starting from February.
Two million
But with Mahastakabshisheka in February, the low-season may see a new high in the arrival of tourists. “We expect not less than two million to participate and witness the spectacle for which there has been tremendous publicity since the last few months,” said Suresh Kumar Jain, member, organising committee.
A majority of the participants tend to visit Mysuru as well and hence the tourist traffic during the lean season is expected to witness a surge. “In 2006, nearly 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh tourists visited Mysuru and surrounding places or used the city as the base camp before making a trip to Shrvanabelagola which is about 80 km from Mysuru. This year, expectations are higher and nearly 5 lakh tourists are expected to visit Mysuru in the same period for which we are prepared,” said Narayana Gowda, president, Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association.
Social media
“This is also the first Mahamastakasbhisheka in the era of social media and instant communication. This has helped in the event gaining tremendous traction,” Mr. Jain said.
For a city that receives nearly 3.5 million tourists annually but has not witnessed much growth in the last few years, the Mahamastakabhisheka may provide a fresh impetus to shore up tourists traffic.
