Concerted efforts are yet to be made to get Mysuru Dasara recognised under UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage, despite its history and unbroken tradition of nearly 700 years.
Though the Department of Archaeology, Heritage and Museums tried to make a case for Mysuru Dasara a few years ago, there were no sustained efforts to give a fresh push to the request.
“Mysuru Dasara has all the attributes to be recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by the UNESCO, and experts from various fields should come together to document it and make a presentation to the Government of India for submission before the UNESCO,” said N.S. Rangaraju, retired Professor of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore.
“Mysuru Dasara is a platform for showcasing the art and culture of the people of Karnataka and has evolved over centuries. Today, it is among the most important cultural events with public participation and is known across the country. It is truly a reflection of the customs and traditions of the State,” he added.
Prof. Rangaraju was part of a team which undertook excavations at Hampi in the early 1970s to discover the Mahanavami Dibba which has come to be associated with Dasara, underlying the historicity and continuity of the festival.
Historical aspect
“The Mahanavami Dibba is akin to a stage and was used by the kings of Vijayanagara to watch the procession, and the Navaratri festival which establishes the historicity of the events,” said Prof. Rangaraju.
After the fall of Vijayanagara empire, it shifted to Srirangapatana in 1610 A.D. when Raja Wadiyar ascended the throne and decreed that Dasara be celebrated on a grand scale.
“It was held even during the regime of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan at Srirangapatana. But, after the fall of Tipu Sultan in the battle against the British in 1799, the capital was shifted to the present Mysuru, and since then Dasara is being held in the city,” said Prof. Rangaraju, who said no efforts should be spared to get UNESCO’s ICH tag for Mysuru Dasara.
