Mysuru: This is the first time that the renowned Jumboo Savari (after it became people’s Dasara) is planned to be held on the lines of Republic Day Parade in Delhi.

The old-timers who have witnessed the Jumboo Savari with the Maharaja sitting on the golden howdah atop the caparisoned Ambari elephant still recall vividly the grandeur, discipline and variety in the procession. They also remember the return procession in the night. The Maharaja after performing puja to the Banni tree with folded hands, recognise the vast multitude gathered, which was enough to send them into ecstasy. It was one fairyland setting, that one could not erase from memory.

Cut to the present and people are already bored seeing the same pageant. The District Administration as at last realised that changes have to be brought in to the Jumboo Savari.

At the meeting held here yesterday, chaired by the District in-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa at the DC Office, a decision was taken to ring in changes to the procession. Every year five or six groups of Janapada artistes were taking part and people were bored seeing it and expressed their displeasure.

In the light of this, if four or five from the same category apply, only one group will be selected to participate. It has been decided to include NCC, Sevadal, Scouts and Guides like in the RD Parade, said Dr. Mahadevappa.

Rehearsal at Palace: MLA M.K. Somashekar suggested that the general public  should be allowed to view the rehearsal at the Mysore Palace on the Ayudha Puja Day, a day prior to the Jumboo Savari. He also urged the authorities to issue passes to view the rehearsal. Dr. Mahadevappa assured him that the public would be allowed to witness the rehearsal.

Pothole free city: MUDA Chairman D. Dhruvakumar said that in the last several years, even after the Dasara celebrations began the road works continued. He urged that at least from this year the road works be completed 10 days before the Dasara begins.

Reacting to this, MCC Commissioner G. Jagadeesha said that they would try their best to complete the works before Dasara begins. If it is not possible, he assured that at least the potholes would be filled.

Take up more responsibility: Somashekar pointed out that once the Dasara begins all the officials become busy only with Dasara works neglecting their regular duties and developmental works. When asked the officials give irresponsible answers. This should stop and they must take up both the responsibilities, he urged.

Maintain discipline: Last year while the CM was making floral offerings to the Ambari elephant carrying golden howdah, an unknown person also got into the act along with the CM and other dignitaries. Except the District in-charge Minister, the Mayor and the DC, no one be allowed on the special dais created for this purpose. If we see it happening this time, then all the MLAs would also join, warned MLA S.R. Mahesh.

Stop fake passes: Last year genuine pass holders had to face lot of problems as they could not find place to sit and many of them had to return disappointed. This was because there were a lot of fake passes people had managed to get. To avoid the fake pass racket, this time passes with bar codes would be printed.

Private security guards will be stationed at entrances to check and allow people with genuine passes, said DC D. Randeep. MLAs Vasu, Dr. Geetha Mahadevaprasad, Ramesh Bandisiddegowda and others were present at the meeting.

Gajapayana on Aug. 14

Meanwhile, the Gajapayana of the Dasara elephants to Mysuru, which was to begin on August 10 has been postponed to August 14. The District Administration has decided to welcome the elephants to Mysore Palace on August 17 at 12.05 pm.

Earlier, it was decided to march the elephants from Veerahasohalli village in the Nagarahole National Park limits on August 10 at 11 am. But, now it has been decided to postpone the Gajapayana to August 14 at 11 am.