Mysuru: Dasara procession will undergo a major makeover this year, with the number of tableaux being restricted to 40 to ensure better quality, coordination and choreography, said Sheikh Tanveer Asif, special officer, procession and tableau committee. He said this change has been made following instructions from chief minister DK Shivakumar, who wanted to give a new fillip to the Dasara procession.For the first time, marching bands of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force that used to participate only during the Republic Day parade at New Delhi will participate in the procession.Explaining the changes, Asif said 63 to 64 tableaux participated in last year’s procession, with a few additions made at the last minute. “This affected the quality and coordination of the presentation. This year, there will be no last-minute additions. Focus will be on quality and ensuring adequate time for cultural troupes to perform,” Asif, who served as MCC commissioner and handled Dasara festival, said.The procession will be organised like a choreographed parade on the lines of the Republic Day Parade, with every tableau followed by a cultural troupe. Each tableau and troupe will be given around three minutes for presentation. Last year, cultural performers often had little time to showcase their art as they were hurried along the procession route.15 tableaux selected from 31 districtsThe Kannada and culture department has selected 15 tableaux from 31 districts that submitted proposals. The remaining tableaux will represent state public sector undertakings and Central govt organisations. Among them are DRDO, IISc, BEML, Indian Railways, HAL, Army and Navy. The participation of the Navy and Army is expected to be one of the major attractions this year.With the reduction in the number of tableaux, the financial allocation has been increased. While each tableau earlier received around Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, the allocation this year has been raised to about Rs 24 lakh. This will enable organisers to focus on better design, presentation and execution.The cultural component has also been revamped. Nearly 150 cultural troupes are expected to participate, compared to about 138 last year. Similar art forms will be grouped together and given coordinated uniforms to avoid repetition and improve visual appeal. The troupes will arrive three days ahead of the procession and undergo two rehearsals. They will also be provided grooming kits and uniforms that will suit their respective art forms, officials said.“As an overall experience, the Dasara procession will be one of the major highlights of this year’s celebrations. CM Shivakumar, who wanted to make the procession more attractive, was instrumental in getting the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and IAF. He held talks with defence minister Rajnath Singh and was instrumental in getting marching bands of Army, Navy and Air Force,” Asif said, adding that CMs from various states and ambassadors from different countries are expected to attend, adding further prominence to the grand event.
