Mysuru: With Dasara preparations already under way and the first batch of elephants arriving in the city, the official Dasara website (https://www.mysoredasara.gov.in/) remains inaccessible, leaving tourists dependent on third-party platforms for information about the festival.The recurring issue has raised concerns among tourism stakeholders, who are demanding a reliable and year-round digital platform carrying authentic and updated information on Dasara programmes, ticketing, seating arrangements and other facilities. They are also demanding the district administration to use the rich archive to take Dasara worldwide.Tourists and stakeholders point out the official website usually becomes active only during the festival and remains dormant for the rest of the year. They say this creates confusion as programmes details and arrangements are often finalised only a few days before Dasara.“In the absence of a dedicated Dasara authority, different govt departments handle the arrangements. Since the final details are made available only at the last-minute, tourists find it difficult to plan their visit,” said a stakeholder.Meanwhile, private websites and social media pages have already begun promoting Dasara events. Stakeholders, however, warn that information published on such platforms may not always be updated. “Digital content about Dasara should not be created just for a few weeks. Govt needs a proper digital promotion strategy and should maintain the website throughout the year,” they said.Mysuru deputy commissioner G Lakshmikantha Reddy said the official website would be ready in a week.SKAL International Mysuru president CJ Jayakumar said stakeholders had so far been kept out of the Dasara preparations. “We want round-the-year website to showcase this event. Every year, the website becomes active for a few days and later becomes idle,” he said. He said details such as seating arrangements should be announced well in advance to help tourists plan their visit. “So far, everything has been limited to statements,” he said.
