Travel – Page 2 – Karnataka First

Dasara brings cheer as hotels in Mysuru remain fully occupied

Beeline of tourists to the City of Palaces for the finale – Jamboo Savari and torchlight parade scheduled on October 5

All roads are leading to Mysuru as the City of Palaces is gearing up for the Dasara finale on the day of Vijayadashami on October 5. The city is no exception to traffic congestion as the roads are getting choked and traffic jams have become common with scores of tourists heading to Mysuru to experience Nada Habba.

The steep rise in tourist footfalls has resulted in hotels registering 100 percent occupancy. All kinds of hotels – budget and star – are fully booked till October 5.

“We have no vacant rooms till the end of Dasara season. Another reason for full occupancy is Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra that has entered Mysuru district as the party leaders and followers have booked the rooms,” said Hotel Owners’ Association President C. Narayana Gowda.

Stakeholders of the tourism industry here were demanding for a grand Dasara as a booster dose for tourism which is on the path of recovery after the two waves of COVID-19. The Dasara fete was subdued in the last two years, badly hitting the tourism economy since a large number of families rely fully on the tourism revenue for their livelihood.

Tourists have been making a beeline to Mysuru since Saturday, thanks to the long weekend and the vacation. The schools and colleges are on vacation till October 9. “The last time this kind of rush was seen was in 2019. After a two-year gap, we are witnessing a surge of tourists and Dasara is the biggest strength for turning around the fortune of tourism industry,” a tour operator said.

According to Mr. Narayana Gowda, Mysuru city has 415 hotels, including star hotels and budget hotels, with about 10,500 rooms. Almost all the rooms are either full or booked. We have no vacant rooms. Some rooms were booked for sports persons of Dasara sports. The main reason for thumping footfalls is the grand Dasara, he said.

The rooms in vacant wedding halls have also been taken for the accommodation of the Congress party workers who have arrived here from different places to take part in Bharat Jodo Yatra.

“Since the hotel rooms are full, the rooms at wedding halls are also occupied to accommodate the party workers,” said Mr. Narayanagowda, who is also associated with the marriage halls’ association.

Some hotel representatives said that the rooms were available till September 29 but the bookings went up from September 30 and the rooms started filling up on Saturday.

“It took six hours for us to reach Mysuru from Bengaluru. There was bumper to bumper traffic on the highway. At the ORR junction at Manipal Hospital in Mysuru, we had to wait for 45 minutes to enter the city,” said a couple from Chennai.

Belagavi wakes up to Navaratri special — Durga Mata Doud

The proportion of girls and women participating in the event is increasing every year. The event is non-competitive, and the runners are accompanied by music and dance troupes performing along the way. It has had its share of controversies too, given its association with Hindutva organisations

Vaidehi Solapurkar got up before sunrise and got dressed to go for a run. The dress however, is not the running gear with loose fitting T-shirt and track pants. It is a white chudidar, a saffron shawl and a turban.

“It is Durga Mata Doud (run). It is different. You could call it a cultural marathon,” says Vaidehi. The young lawyer has been participating in the event for five years. “The run is held on all nine days of Navaratri in different areas of Belagavi. I try to participate wherever I can. It is refreshing. It reminds me of our glorious past and the valour of kings like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,’’ she says.

Rashmi Kanabargi, a resident of Wadagaon in the old city who is a part of the Dhol Tasha band, says, “I am happy that the run has resumed after three years of COVID-19. I have participated in all the doud on all routes this year. I have introduced several of my friends to the run this year,” she says. This year, the doud started on September 26 and will end on October 5.

They are among the hundreds of girls and boys who join the run in white and saffron. Those who play musical instruments join the band. The runners are called Dharkaris, the Marathi term for ‘warrior’. This is reminiscent of Warkaris, or devotees, who participate in a fortnight-long padayatra to the Vithal temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. As the word ‘Dharkari’ suggests, it has a more strident Hindutva overtone. It is actively promoted by Hindutva groups.

“The doud started a few years ago, and was held only on the main road for the first few years. Its success prompted organisers to hold it in various locations in Belagavi,” said Shivaji Salunke, one of the organisers. He points out that the proportion of girls and women participating in the event is increasing every year. The event is non-competitive and the runners are accompanied by music and dance troupes performing along the way.

Ramakant Konduskar, Sri Ram Sena Hindustan leader, said the run is spreading to other towns and villages. “For many years, only Belagavi organised the run. Now, there are similar events in Gokak, Hukkeri, Chikkodi and Bailhongal. By next year, the number of places will increase,” he said. He claims it is a non-political event and that BJP, Congress, NCP, MES and JD(S) activists participate in the event.

Origin of Durga Mata Doud and controversy

The doud was conceived by Manohar ‘Sambhaji’ Bhide, founder of Shiv Pratishtan Hindustan, a Pune-based Hindutva organisation. He was accused of inciting violence after the Bhima Koregaon protest. The charges were dropped later. Mr. Bhide started the doud in Pune in 1984. Now, it has spread to other States. The event was held in Udupi for a day this year.

The doud routes cover the entire city, including some Muslim-dominated areas. Heavy police security is provided in these areas. It is not uncommon to see police personnel run along with the Dharkaris. Some police officers say Hindutva groups are trying to push a communal agenda in the garb of a cultural event.

This year, some men tread on cloth that had the colours of Pakistan’s flag during the run in Maratha Colony, Belagavi. Some persons had put the cloth along with the rangoli and floral decorations on the road that the runners were to take. Police rushed to the spot and removed the cloth.

History Created In Mysuru As Droupadi Murmu Becomes First President To Open Dasara

“Mysuru Dasara is a proud symbol of India’s cultural heritage”

Mysore/Mysuru: History was created in Mysuru atop Chamundi Hill this morning as President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Dasara-2022 by showering flower petals on the decked-up idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed on a silver chariot. She became the first President to declare open the grand 10-day festivities.

In the past, the Presidents and Vice-Presidents have inaugurated the Jumboo Savari. Today’s Mysuru visit created another history as it was Droupadi Murmu’s first State visit after assuming the Office of India’s First Citizen. Her flight directly landed at the Mysore Airport from New Delhi. Though the VVIP visit was for over two hours only, it became significant considering the firsts achieved by it.

Stringent protocol

The inauguration time was specified between 9.45 am and 10.05 am in the Vruschika Lagna. However, the inauguration took place three minutes later due to the stringent protocols to be followed and also the tight security accorded to the country’s First Citizen by the President’s Body Guards (PBG). Before the inauguration, the President visited the sanctum sanctorum of the Chamundeshwari Temple and offered her prayers.

As per the protocol, the President arrived on the stage last, after all the other dignitaries were seated. Before the President’s arrival, an officer-in-charge of security walked onto the stage and sought information from the event managers about the number of people on the dais. He examined the silver chariot where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari was placed and even examined the lamp that will be lit by the President as part of the inauguration.

Ascending the stage, the President directly walked to her chair and greeted the audience with folded hands as a bodyguard stood behind her with full alertness.

The National Anthem (by the Police Band) and the Naadageethe were played. Later, the President walked toward the silver chariot and performed the inauguration rituals.

Mahishasuramardini Alankara

The Goddess was decorated in the form of Mahishasuramardini and a green saree was draped on her. A mangalasutra and gold jewellery were put on the Goddess.

Accompanying the President were Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje, Kannada and Culture Minister V. Sunil Kumar and District Minister S.T. Somashekar.

As the President lit the ceremonial lamp, the mantras were chanted by Chief Priest of the Temple Dr. Shashishekar Dixit. The Chief Priest later offered flower petals to the guests to shower on the Goddess. After the inauguration, the President obliged to a team of photographers and posed for a photograph with the guests.

Though Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda was to preside over the event, he had to be seated in the front row due to protocol restrictions. Even Mayor Shivakumar, Mysuru’s First Citizen, did not get a chance to be with the President on stage.

The President’s Office had fixed the number of people on the stage at 13 and the number was reduced to seven later. As such, many dignitaries had to be seated off the stage.

Red carpet was rolled from the President’s cavalcade parking venue to the Temple premises and the President walked in a brisk pace with her bodyguards running ahead of her. The Hill Temple was closed for public and it was opened only after the President and other guests left the Hill.

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Mangaluru: The man who prepares the hides for Dasara Tiger dancers

The Dasara celebration in Dakshina Kannada is a few days away and the tiger dance is an integral part of the festivities. Tiger dance is the culture of the coastal belt exhibited during Dasara. Compared to earlier days, the tiger dance troupes are on the rise in the district especially in Mangaluru. In Mangaluru alone, up to 100 troupes are there who perform tiger dance during Dasara celebration.

There are numerous people’s struggles behind every tiger dance troupe to be successful during theDasara celebration. Meanwhile, as a preparation for the celebrations, a tailor named Vishwanath is stitching short trousers for tiger dance troupes during Dasara. Vishwanath has been involved in this profession for 30 years and has an experience of over 35 years in the tailoring profession.

Vishwanath hails from Alape and owns Sunil Tailors at Car street near Ramakanthi theatre. Tailoring was taught to him by his master Raghavendra. After the master passed away, he took up this profession and started stitching short trousers for tiger dance troupes in Mangaluru.

Vishwanath says, “During the initial days of my profession, only two-three tiger dance troupes existed which included Kalicharan Friends and Shiva Friends. Today it has increased to about 40-50 tiger dance troupes, each with a team of 50 members.

“I start stitching short trousers 15 days prior to Dasara when every member of tiger dance troupes comes to shop and gives their measurements. The present condition is that I have sleepless nights. The cloth cutting will be done till 2 AM and I wake up at 4 AM again to get back to stitching the short trousers. I have six additional tailors in different places with whom I share the cloth cutting job and also velvet material for stitching. Generally, no one is ready to take the responsibility of cutting the cloth material as I have to do it by myself and it’s a big commitment to handover short trousers to the tiger dance troupes within the deadline during Dasara celebrations. Biruver Kudla Tiger Dance Troupe is one of the biggest troupes this year with over 100 members in it,” says Vishwanath.

Mysuru zoo rated second best in CZA evaluation

The century-old Mysuru zoo has been rated ‘very good’ by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), which conducted the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Zoos in India 2022. The country’s medium and large zoos were comprehensively evaluated during the first-ever exercise by the CZA.

Though Mysuru zoo has been adjudged ‘very good’ among large zoos during the assessment by the experts, it, however, stands second as Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai has secured a score of 83 marks and was graded ‘very good’ by the CZA. The Mysuru zoo has got 80 marks but yet graded ‘very good’ in the evaluation considering its best management practices and standards.

Expressing happiness over the rating, Executive Director Ajit Kulkarni said the evaluation was done for the first time by the CZA and an expert team had visited the zoo to appraise the zoo and its practices. “Whatever suggestions have been made for the zoo’s improvement will be implemented. The action to be taken, as endorsed by the CZA, will be looked into,” he said.

Among the medium zoos, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, is rated the best, according to the evaluation report.

The CZA, in its report, said the mission, vision, objectives and strategies mostly identified at the Mysuru zoo but need to be systematically formulated and documented as per the National Zoo Policy. The zoo has been told to make efforts to pair all single animals.

Also, the conservation breeding programMEs for Gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Lion-tailed Macaque, Dhole, Indian Grey Wolf etc., can be managed with improved scientific rigour and with the development of detailed plans for conservation breeding including genetic profiling, individual marking of names for identification, community engagement plan, plan for soft release, and survey of release sites, the CZA said, in its evaluation of the Mysuru zoo.

The Mysuru zoo management must pursue the development of an interpretation centre, according to the report.

Citing about the best practices at the Mysuru zoo in its evaluation, the CZA said the zoo is one of the self-sustainable zoos. In the past two decades, the zoo administration has introduced many interventions, innovations and programs — from waste management policy, to a flexible animal adoption programme. After segregation of the waste, the biodegradable waste is used for making biogas, vermicompost, and manure in the campus itself. Biogas is used in zoo kitchens. The zoo has tie-ups with various NGOs for the recycling of plastic waste. The zoo harvests 79 crore litres of rainwater through directed infrastructure changes. The surrounding areas of the zoo and the farmers have also been benefited by the system as no borewells go out of water during summer. The zoo also provides RO drinking water for free to the visitors. Seventy percent of water that gets wasted from the RO units are reused On the zoo premises.

The CZA said the MEE assessment is an inclusive exercise – the assessment is based on information and documentation produced by the zoo and the detailed site visit.

The actionable points derived from the assessment, along with pillars of change indicated in the vision plan for Indian zoos (2021-2031), can become the catalyst for the transformation, build innovation and leadership and help zoos deliver experiences that inspire visitors to take conservation action and affirm deeper community connect, the CZA concluded in its assessment, a report of which has been sourced by The Hindu.

French hospitality brand ibis opens its fourth hotel in Bengaluru

Accor will have 100 hotel properties in India in the next five years

Global hospitality chain ibis announced its fourth and 21 hotel property in the city and in the country, respectively, near Manyata Tech Park at Hebbal on Wednesday.

The 154-room ibis Bengaluru Hebbal built-in 8-floors will have a fully-electric fireless kitchen, as per the hotel chain.

J.B. Singh, President & CEO, InterGlobe Hotels, a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises and Accor Asia Pacific, said, “This is the fourth ibis hotel in the city. ibis Bengaluru Hebbal has been designed with our ‘New Generation’ theme, which features highly dynamic, colourful and lively public areas coupled with a unique dining experience.’‘

Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India & South Asia said, “Bengaluru is known to attract both business and leisure travelers, and this launch will provide them with a comfortable stay with a dynamic atmosphere to suit a globetrotter’s tastes.”

Accor is a French multinational hospitality company that owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties under 40 different brands. It operates in 5,300 locations in over 110 countries.

Mr. Dhawan said the outlook for the hospitality sector in the country looked very positive for the next five to 10 years and Accor would have opened 100 hotels in the country in the next five years, up from 56 at present.

India Foundation for the Arts offers a chance to tell stories about Bengaluru neighbourhoods

IFA seeks to implement projects that engage with the spaces, stories, and people in Bengaluru’s neighbourhoods

India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) is inviting proposals for Neighbourhood Engagements under its Project 560, which seeks to explore Bengaluru’s neighbourhoods.

IFA seeks to implement projects that engage with the spaces, stories, and people in the neighbourhoods. They can be an event or a series of events with storytelling sessions, music, street performances, art installations, mapping exercises, walks and so on.

The projects are supposed to make their neighbourhoods more visible and express through art, the joys and challenges of living together.

How can you apply?

Send a proposal with:-

1. A description of your neighbourhood and its uniqueness — the various kinds of people who live there, its history, shopping areas, housing patterns, community centres and cultural practices.

2. Details of what you would like to do and who would participate in the activities.

You may choose to write your proposal in any Indian language, including English.

If you wish to discuss project ideas before sending your proposal or have queries regarding the same, please write to menaka@indiaifa.org.

The final proposal, with all supporting materials, should be submitted online in a single email not exceeding 25 MB to menaka@indiaifa.org on or before September 5.

For your project, you can also request IFA for financial support up to ₹35,000.

More information: here

Clay seed Ganesha campaign sets a new Guinness record

People from various age groups join hands to sculpt 3,308 idols

The clay seed Ganesha campaign, organised by Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava and Shree Vidyaranya Yuvaka Sangha, in association with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Rotary Bangalore Parisara, claimed to have set a new Guinness World Record for ‘the most number of people sculpting with modelling clay simultaneously’ on Sunday at National College Grounds in Basavanagudi. Although the initial goal was set to create 10,000 Ganesha idols, only 3,308 idols could be created, making it to the records book.

“We are elated because we have broken our own record that we had created three years ago. We would like to do this more and more. We couldn’t reach our desired number, but I’m glad that we could set a new benchmark,” said Nandish Mariyappa, managing trustee of Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava.

The campaign saw over 3,000 people from various age groups and professions joining hands to sculpt their personal Ganesha idols. Idol-making materials such as clay, sculpting popsicle sticks, plant seeds, and water were provided at the venue. Many professional artist volunteers were also assisting participants. The live screening of the sculpting procedure by an artist was also organised. Seeds of plants such as tulsi, ashwagandha, sunflower and other flowering plants were provided for embedding within the idols. QR codes were also allocated to individual idols.

“We are so happy about the Guinness record. It’s a milestone for the KSPCB because we had planned to execute this systematically and create awareness about environmental pollution. We have all created our green Ganapa and seed Ganapa. This has been a success not only because of the record but also because of it being environment friendly,” said Shanth A. Thimmaiah, KSPCB Chairman.

KSR Bengaluru railway station to have first Aadhaar unit in SWR

A much-needed Aadhaar centre is set to be launched at KSR Bengaluru railway station in due course, which will become the first station in the South Western Railway Zone to have the facility.

Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will be taking care of its operations. The equipment to take pictures, capture biometrics and other devices have been provided by UIDAI.”

The issue of new Aadhaar cards as well as changes to be made to existing card will be done here. The DRM said that based on the response it would receive, the facility would be extended to other stations in the Division. The initiative was being undertaken in line with the guidelines issued by the Railway Board, he added. “The Railways wants to increase its public outreach and connect more with its passengers and this is a step in that direction,” he said.

A UIDAI source said that they are ready to provide kits to 10 railway stations within Karnataka.

Singh said that under the Centre’s ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, many stalls have opened up at smaller stations in the Division. Products from millets and honey sourced by tribals are sold at Bengaluru Cantonment; silk and cotton sarees from Krishnarajapuram, Yelahanka and Doddaballapur station at KR Puram station; and Muddireddipalya sarees at Hindupur, are among outlets that have opened up recently.

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Puttur: Historical well with Gandhiji connection exists here

Even as the country celebrates ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ this year it is time to remember, recall and respect all the political sufferers and freedom fighters who have fought for India’s independence.

Mahatma Gandhi who played a key role in India’s freedom struggle is remembered for his visit to Dakshina Kannada district. He was on a visit to Puttur as part of the campaign to eradicate untouchability against the dalits.

He was instrumental in galvanising the freedom struggle and in ensuring equality in society especially with regard to the dalits.

In 1934, Mahatma Gandhi had paid a visit to Puttur on his way from Sullia by foot. He was received then by M S Kille, Mallya, Molahalli Shivarayaru and Shivarama Karanth among other luminaries. Gandhi had participated in a small meeting below a large peepal tree at the present Puttur government bus station.

Gandhi had given a call to eradicate untouchability. He paid a visit to two dalit colonies in Puttur and in particular his visit to Ragikumeru colony is still remembered. There was no supply of drinking water to the families of Ragikumeru. It is said that people of the colony were consuming drainage water that was flowing adjacent to their colony. Noticing this, Gandhi directed his confidants to immediately construct a well which exists even to this day next to the Ragikumeru road.

The youths have come to know of Gandhi’s visit to the colony today. Gandhi’s visit was and has been fondly remembered by the people of the colony as he had directed his confidants to construct a well at a time when the region was facing a shortage of food.

This well falls under the ambit of the city municipal council. However, the water in the well is not being widely used these days as adequate drinking water is being supplied through pipelines to the inhabitants of Puttur. But, the existence of this well brings back memories of Gandhi among the people of Puttur and Gandhi’s largesse in getting a well constructed.

The lives of the residents of Ragikumeru have considerably improved but residents feel a lot more needs to be done.