Mysore/Mysuru: With the world famous Dasara still two months away, artistes and art troupes from across the country have already started applying to take part in the Dasara cultural programmes.

Though the Kannada and Culture Department has not invited applications thus far, artistes from across the State as well from other States have voluntarily started submitting their applications at the Office of the Kannada and Culture Department in Kalamandira premises, either in person or by post.

As taking part in Dasara is a matter of pride for artistes, there is a huge competition among artists, which can be seen in artistes from different parts of the country applying to take part.

Getting a certificate from the Kannada and Culture Department for having performed during Dasara, will be of much help to the artistes for taking part in other programmes at the National and International level.

Apart from individual artistes, the Department office is getting applications from art, folk and cultural troupes, which are keen on taking part in the all important Jamboo Savari procession.

The Dasara cultural and music programmes will take place at multiple venues across the city including the Palace premises, Kalamandira on Hunsur Road, Jaganmohan Palace, Rangayana, Ganabharathi on Adichunchanagiri Road in Kuvempunagar, Sri Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha on JLB Road, Town Hall and in front of Dufferin Clock Tower in the heart of the city.

Also, a Dawn-to-Dusk programme that is being held in the Palace premises since 2019, has been drawing a big response from artistes.

Last year, the Kannada and Culture Department had received as many as 611 applications from artistes and art troupes.

The applications included 96 in the Social, Mythological and Historical plays category,                                  409 from musicians and folk artistes, 93 from dancers and 6 from co-ordinators.

With Mysuru being the home district Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, the Government is planning to hold a grand Dasara and Siddharamaiah has already held a High-Power Meeting in Bengaluru late last month regarding the celebrations.

Kannada and Culture Assistant Director Dr. M.D. Sudarshan said that the Government is yet to form Dasara Sub-Committees.

Noting that the Department will hold a meeting once the Sub-Committees are formed, he said that following the meeting, a press notification will be issued inviting artistes and art troupes for taking part in Dasara.

This time, even before the notification is  issued, artistes from different parts of the country have already started sending applications voluntarily, he said adding that all the applications received will be screened.