Mysuru Dasara Illumination to be more attractive and innovative this year: CESC MD

The Hindu

a day ago

This year's Dasara illumination across Mysuru will be more innovative and attractive than ever before, adding to the allure of the festival to be celebrated from September 22 to October 2.
A preparatory review meeting was conducted by Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) in Mysuru on August 8. CESC Managing Director K.M. Munigopal Raju said that the illumination is one of the highlights of the celebrations, and draws lakhs of visitors. ''This time, we must ensure that the illumination is visually more captivating while also being cost-effective,' he added.
Addressing the electrical contractors, who are vested with the responsibility of illuminating the streets and the circles, the MD advised them to focus on innovation. He told them that the lighting along some of the streets were not up to the mark in 2024.
According to the CESC MD, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had directed in the Dasara High Power Committee meeting that this year's illumination must be made more attractive than last year's. Accordingly, necessary preparations are being made by the CESC, he added.
'People's expectations have gone up, and they expect novel features. Hence, all efforts should be made to ensure that the Dasara illumination is of international standards with a thrust on visual appeal,' said Munigopal Raju.
Pointing out that the drone show in 2024 drew tremendous appreciation, Mr. Raju wants this year's event to be bigger given the high expectations from the people. ''In order to add more grandeur to this year's programme, this year's event will be more spectacular with the use of more drones,' he added.
Emphasis on safety
It was noted in the preparatory meeting that large crowds gather to witness the Dasara illumination. Hence, ensuring priority to safety was of vital importance.
''As there is a high possibility of rain during Dasara, precautions must be taken to ensure that people's safety is not compromised,' said the MD.
Designs being readied
The illumination designs for lighting up the Jumboo Savari procession route were being finalised. Along with main arterial roads in the heart of the city and many of the residential areas, the city's traffic circles will be illuminated in an innovative manner. 'The necessary designs and patterns are being prepared,' according to Mr. Raju.
The CESC MD impressed upon completing the illumination-related work on time to ensure that all roads are lit up ahead of the festival.
Special emphasis will be laid on roads and circles around the venues of the Yuva Sambrahama and Yuva Dasara programmes. 'As the former is inaugurated a few days before Dasara, the illumination of the roads leading to the venue should be completed ahead of schedule,' said Mr. Raju.
CESC Technical Director D.J. Diwakar, Chief Engineer of Mysuru Zone Mrutyunjaya, senior CESC officials and electrical contractors were present in the meeting.