Mysuru, 3 October

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday said the State was planning to bring changes to its annual Dasara celebrations to reflect technological and cultural changes.

Speaking to reporters at Piriyapatna in Mysuru, he said, "Every year we should see some changes. We are making an effort in that direction. Earlier, there was only cinema; then television, computers, phones and mobiles came. Now AI has arrived. Technology is changing.”

He also said the Tibetan community in Bylakuppe should be given space to showcase its traditions and culture as part of the festivities.

"This is the State festival. They should come to this festival, and all their new artists as well as veterans should come and seek the blessings of the people," he said, referring to the Kannada film industry.

Shivakumar said he had also requested neighbouring states to send tableaux, allowing people to experience different cultural traditions. "Let our people learn something from them," he said.

He added that he had requested the Defence Minister to send troops and arrange for an air show for the celebrations, and wanted NCC members, students and college youth to learn discipline from the armed forces.