Post-festival crowd throng Mysuru roads as illumination extension ends on October 31

Mysuru: Even after a week following the Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari, people continue to throng the city roads to see the Dasara illumination, resulting in traffic chaos in almost all the main roads. The post-festival tourist surge in Mysuru is due to the 10-day extension of the city illumination until October 31. Besides, with just three days left for illumination, it is time for the locals for a night out.  

While some people expressed happiness that Dasara vibe continues, helping the local economy, some said that the extension of illumination is unnecessary.

Dasara illumination by Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) was actually from October 11 to 21. However, after watching the illumination, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced an extension, to promote tourism, allowing families and travellers to enjoy the night-time illumination. There are no possibilities of further extension.

Dasara may be over, but Mysuru’s magic is still there, said Nivedita, an engineering student. "Got to experience the Dasara lighting without the usual festive rush. Mysuru is beautiful and totally different at night. We, a group of friends, visited Devaraj Urs Road and LIC Millennium Circle, where the 'Geethapodesha' chariot is attracting huge crowds," she said.

Sachin, employee of a private factory in Nanjangud, said traffic density has increased and continues till late night. "It takes almost half an hour to travel on each main road, due to the people stopping to take pictures and record videos. Although it is irritating, what can be done? We experience this every year," he said.

The LIC Millennium Circle has temporarily turned into a mini fair. Carts selling churmuri, bajji, bonda, corn, cut fruits, are doing good business. Balloon vendors are in demand with each balloon selling for Rs 50 to Rs 100. People taking pictures with a bunch of balloons on the illuminated road is a common sight. 

Traffic Police have a tough time in streamlining the traffic, making continuous announcements on mike, requesting the people not to stop the vehicles that cause traffic jams, and to prevent the crowd getting on the centre of the road, to take pictures.