The State government’s decision to scale down Dasara festivities in view of the drought and farmers’ suicide did not affect the grandeur of the festival, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Speaking to reporters after offering puja to Nandi Dhwaja at the north gate of Mysuru Palace to signal the start of the Vijayadashami procession on Friday, Mr. Siddaramaiah said this year’s festival had attracted a lot of tourists including foreigners to Mysuru. “The government’s decision to celebrate Dasara in a simple manner did not affect the grandeur of the festival in any manner,” he said.
Though the southwest monsoon failed in several parts of the State, leading to a poor yield, Mr. Siddaramaiah hoped for good rains during the northeast monsoon and improved crop yield.
Responding to queries on drought relief work, the Chief Minister said the State government had begun relief work on its own even though the Centre had not yet released funds. Also, the government has increased the compensation for family members of farmers who committed suicide after April 1, 2015, from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh.
