Sir,

I’m writing to highlight the unfortunate experience that Gold Card holders faced during this year’s Mysuru Dasara-2024.

Disorganised entry at Palace (Varaha Gate)

 As a Gold Card holder, I had high expectations, but unfortunately, my experience was far from what was promised. The entry process at the Varaha Gate (Gate No. 4) for the Jumboo Savari procession was chaotic and poorly managed.

Many attendees, including myself, were left confused, standing in long lines under the scorching sun until 10.40 am, even though entry was supposed to begin at 10 am. All of us who paid the premium price of Rs. 6,500 per person were pleading with the Policemen and authorities to begin entry in an organised manner at 10 am, but our requests were ignored.

Due to the growing crowd and mounting frustration, a stampede-like situation arose when the Police finally moved the barricades at 10.40 am. In the rush to secure the best seats, people started pushing and some even fell down. Policemen, unable to control the crowd, eventually resorted to a lathi charge.

How unfortunate it is that, despite paying a premium price, we had to endure this commotion and lathi charge. Senior citizens and families with infants were left helpless, unable to compete with the chaotic crowd.  This entire situation could have been avoided if authorities had opened the barricades at 10 am and ensured an organised queue leading to Varaha Gate.

No drinking water arrangements

 Despite paying for a premium experience, there was no arrangement for drinking water. Not only were individual water bottles not provided, but there weren’t even common water stations. When asked about water facilities, the authorities simply responded, “If you go out for water or wash-room, you cannot re-enter with the Gold Card.”

I’m unsure if the number of Gold Cards sold or Gold Invitee Cards issued matched the seating capacity in enclosures G and H, but by 11.30 am, many people with valid Gold Cards or Gold Invitee Cards were  left without seats.

Similar chaos at Torchlight Parade

The disorganisation continued at Bannimantap Grounds during the Torchlight Parade. Despite being a Gold Card holder, finding a seat was impossible. People without tickets or passes easily entered the Gold Card enclosures, thanks to the poor event management by the authorities.

It’s baffling that a State event, which has been run for so many years by various State Governments, still lacks a proper Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Had one been in place, such disorganisation could have been avoided.

I humbly urge all readers to exercise caution and reconsider before purchasing a Gold Card or ticket for next year’s Dasara.

– Rohan Venkatesh, Hebbal, 14.10.2024

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