Grameena Dasara to focus on hygiene

MYSORE: The Zilla Panchayat has proposed to hold ‘Grameena Dasara’ or ‘Rural Dasara’ from September 19 by organising various cultural and sporting events for both men and women, in order to involve rural people in Dasara festivities and create a ‘nadahabba’-like atmosphere. It will conclude on September 26.The theme of this year’s ‘Grameena Dasara’ is ‘Celebrate the nadahabba by maintaining cleanliness and hygiene’. The zilla panchayat has sanctioned `3,000 for each grama panchayat and has directed them to use `3,000 from their own fund. Totally, `10 lakh has been set aside for ‘Rural Dasara’ in all 7 taluks. “This year, ZP is focusing on hygiene issues,” said Zilla Panchayat CEO G Satyavathi on Saturday.Addressing the media at a press conference, she said that Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Jagadish Shettar would inaugurate ‘Grameena Dasara’ at Nanjangud by offering pooja to ‘Nandi Dhwaja’ in Srikanteshwara temple premises on Monday at 9.30 am. Sporting events for men include 50 m dirt track running race, stone-lifting and running race carrying gunny sack on the back. Those for women include Rangoli and running race with a pot of water and tug-of-war. Cultural events such as Kamsale and kolata have also been organised.