Dasara Jumboo Savari: Was it a scam or eyewash?

Sir,

The recently concluded Dasara Jumboo Savari turned into an unfortunate experience for thousands of ticket holders.

The question is whether mysoredasara.org is repeating past mismanagement or if it’s ignorance, or even a BIG SCAM in the name of a festival?

I’ve heard about the history of Dasara and crowd issues in previous years, but I read somewhere that this year, the State Government had ambitious plans and increased the budget to Rs. 40 crore. So, was this just in the news, or was the budget actually approved? If it was, why was there no crowd management?

I want to know why so many Jumboo Savari tickets were sold. Was there no planning, or was it intentionally set up to fail, assuming that, like every year, ticket buyers would still not make it to the venue due to overcrowding and mismanagement?

We attended Yuva Dasara, held for the first time near Uttanahalli Temple on city’s outskirts, and it was well-organised. Ticket holders could reach the venue and, despite the crowd, enjoy the music event.

• On Jumboo Savari day, we tried to reach Gate 1B near Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Circle (Hardinge Circle) amidst the rain and stampede-like situation.

• We tried entering a gate, but the crowd was overwhelming and scary. However, we had paid for 3 tickets and the taxi, so we pushed forward. When we finally got close, Police/security told us the gate was closed and directed us back to Hardinge Circle.

• Getting out of the crowd was a disaster. We saw kids crying, and elderly people and women struggling — we struggled too.

• Somehow, we made it back to Hardinge Circle. A security guard directed us to another entrance, and we finally saw some boards indicating gate numbers, including ours. However, when we reached the Police (including some Inspectors), they told us this was the Chief Minister’s route, and for security reasons, we couldn’t enter. Again, we were sent back to Hardinge Circle.

• When we returned to Hardinge Circle, we were told it was too late, and we wouldn’t be allowed in through that gate.

• At every gate, we saw ticket holders pleading like we were. Some were told they were at the wrong gate, others were told to go to different locations, and so on.

• Eventually, they let some people in through a line with metal barricades. We reached the same spot where we were initially told it was the CM’s route.

• Apparently, Gate 1B leads to this area.

• We saw hundreds of people leaving, but no one was allowed in.

• We suggested that for every 100 people leaving, 50 should be allowed in, especially those with tickets, but the response was a flat NO.

• They told us it wasn’t their problem and to go back to where we bought the tickets.

• While we understand they were doing their job, what was our mistake?

• After spending four hours around the Palace entrance gates, most of us went home disappointed.

• Thousands of people were there without tickets and thousands with tickets were  left stranded.

• There were no clear signs in English to guide us to right gates.

• There was no support — no separate queues for women, children, senior citizens, or even ticket holders.

• Why were so many tickets sold? Who is responsible, or is this just a scam to make money under the guise of Dasara?

• Is this the culture and reputation of mysoredasara.org and the Mysuru District Administration?

I hope my grievances reach the right people, and future Dasara celebrations are better organised and with a humane approach. Let’s not wait for a disaster like the Chennai Air Show-2024.

I hope everyone made it home safely, and may Goddess Chamundeshwari always protect us. This year, she saved my family and me from a stampede! I saw many children crying in the crowd; I hope they’re safe too.

My conscience urges me to bring this issue to the attention of the management, so that lives are not put at risk due to mismanagement of Jumboo Savari tickets in the future.

—Preeti

Mysuru

15.10.2024