All tourist spots in Mysuru, Mandya open for visitors

Mysore/Mysuru: The world famous Dasara festival got off to a colourful start with floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru, atop Chamundi Hill this morning.

Dr. C.N. Manjunath, Cardiologist and Director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, became the first person from the medical fraternity to open Dasara-2020, in the presence of Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and a host of dignitaries. This time the festival is being celebrated in a simple manner owing to COVID-19.

On the auspicious occasion, Dr. Manjunath and the CM appealed to people to celebrate Dasara in a safe and simple manner. The ten-day Dasara will culminate with the colourful ‘Jumboo Savari’ procession to be held within the Palace premises this time due to pandemic.

Meanwhile, Co-operation and District Minister S.T. Somashekar said the order on the closure of all important tourist places in and around Mysuru such as Mysore Palace, Mysuru Zoo, Chamundi Hill, Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery and Sri Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud town, has been revoked as per directions of the CM. Earlier, the District Administration had ordered its closure till Nov. 1 due to spike in Corona positive cases.

Similarly, the Brindavan Gardens in KRS and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Mandya district will also remain open for tourists.