Restore grace & governance to Dasara, our Nada Habba

Fleeting Thoughts By Ashvini Ranjan

As a lifelong Mysurean, I hold Mysuru’s royalty and our heritage as an institution in high esteem. They lend our city a unique character and our globally renowned Dasara festival is truly the crown jewel of that legacy.

This being the case, the growing trend of the Government sidelining the Royal Family while politicians increasingly call the shots is neither in the interest of the city nor the State.

Karnataka and Mysuru in particular, benefit immensely from the economic dynamism, cultural resonance and global attention generated by the Royal Family and their traditions.

It is high time our State leadership shows greater wisdom by fostering a collaborative spirit that respects both public governance and our cherished heritage.

The sentiment expressed here reflects a deep-rooted connection that many Mysureans feel toward the Wadiyar dynasty and their historical stewardship of the city’s identity.

The tension between the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family and the State Administration, particularly around management, protocol and traditional ownership during events like Dasara, touches on a delicate balance between public governance and cultural heritage.

While Dasara is officially celebrated as Nada Habba (State festival), requiring massive logistical coordination, security management and financial backing from the Government, the soul of the festival remains inextricably tied to centuries-old private (Khasagi) and public rituals upheld by the Royal Family.

When communication breaks down, or administrative procedures overshadow traditional protocols, it naturally alienates those who view the family as custodians of local heritage.

Recent friction points such as disagreements over coordination, security restrictions and access during celebrations highlight why mutual respect is vital.

Public leadership and the royal house share a common stake in Mysuru’s prominence. When State machinery and traditional prestige work at cross-purposes, it dilutes the grandeur that makes the city special.

As a citizen, I am deeply saddened to see these issues persist, especially when thoughtful, seasoned voices offer practical remedies born from direct experience.

My friend, former Commissioner of Police C. Chandrashekar (fondly known as Chandru), has recently brought forth his experiences in his autobiography ‘Reason Poisons Passion’ (reviewed in Star of Mysore on October 31, 2026).

Having known him since our Manasagangothri days in the early 1970s and given his distinguished three-year tenure leading Mysuru City’s Police force between 1999 and 2002, his observations carry immense administrative weight and wisdom.

To ensure our Nada Habba retains its immaculate dignity and administrative efficiency, I strongly feel the Government and all connected stakeholders should consider the following practical recommendations put forward by Chandrashekar:

Permanent planning committee

Since Dasara is our State festival, a permanent committee drawn primarily from various departments in Mysuru should oversee preparations throughout the year, ensuring last-minute scrambles such as eleventh-hour road repairs and painting are permanently eliminated.

Dedicated budgetary allocation

 There should be a fixed, recurring budgetary allocation earmarked annually by the State Government specifically for Dasara celebrations.

Structured tableau selection

Much like the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, a dedicated committee should govern the selection of tableaux, fixing a strict limit on numbers with fair representation for all regions and themes, free from last-minute lobbying or interference from external power centres.

Streamlined committees

The number of organising committees and their respective memberships must be capped and strictly fixed, curbing the rush of individuals seeking membership merely as a backdoor entry to procure free passes for the grand procession and torchlight parade.

Redefining VVIP protocol

The casual practice of labelling political followers and party workers as “VVIPs” must be abandoned. True VVIPs, strictly defined by official protocol, are limited to heads of State and heads of Government such as Presidents and Prime Ministers.

Strict adherence to precedence

A senior officer from the Protocol Department must be deputed to oversee seating arrangements, ensuring the official Table of Precedence is rigorously followed and preventing the protocol  violations witnessed in the past.

Harmonious palace liaison

Cordial and proactive communication with the Mysore Palace must be maintained at all times to prevent the friction and last-minute hitches that have regrettably marred recent celebrations.

To date, very little tangible action has been taken in this direction and public frustration continues to mount.

MY APPEAL

Governance without grace lacks soul and pageantry without tradition lacks authenticity. The authorities must realise that Mysuru Dasara cannot be run merely as a bureaucratic or political event.

I urge the State leadership to bridge the avoidable chasm with the Royal Family and institutionalise these administrative reforms. Let us work together to protect the sanctity, elegance and global prestige of our beloved Nada Habba before the unique character of our city is eroded beyond repair.

e-mail: ashviniranjan@yahoo.com