Mysuru: With Dasara scheduled from Oct. 11 to 21, District Minister Dr.YathindraSiddaramaiah this morning called on Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, member of the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family, at her private residence in the Mysore Palace premises and extended the State Government’s formal invitation for the festivities.

The invitation was extended on behalf of the Mysuru District Administration and Dasara Reception Committee. Dr.Yathindra was accompanied by MLA T.S. Srivatsa and senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner and Dasara Special Officer G. Lakshmikanth Reddy.

The delegation presented the invitation and honorarium to Pramoda Devi Wadiyar.

Dr.Yathindra also offered ‘phalatamboola’ as part of the customary ceremony. During the meeting, they discussed the Golden Throne, Golden Howdah and other royal assets that will be used during Dasara.

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar accepted the invitation and assured the administration of the Royal Family’s cooperation for the smooth conduct of Nada Habba .

Speaking to reporters later, Dr.Yathindra said Pramoda Devi had given some suggestions based on her experience of previous Dasara celebrations.

She pointed out that the strapping of the Ambari (Golden Howdah) on the howdah elephant had taken longer last year due to the presence of too many people around the elephant.

She suggested that only essential personnel be allowed near elephants during the process.

She also suggested that the distribution of VIP passes be kept under control to avoid crowding at important points. The Minister said the suggestions would be taken into consideration while making arrangements for this year’s Dasara.

Additional DC R. Aishwarya, Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, SP MallikarjunBaladandi, MCC Superintending Engineer K.J. Sindhu, Mysore Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya, Karnataka Exhibition Authority Chairman Ayub Khan, Guarantee Scheme Authority Vice – Chairperson Dr. B. PushpaAmarnath and others were present.