Mysuru Dasara: When tradition meets novelty

The Anti-Tobacco Forum in Mysuru has called for a tobacco-free Dasara festival in 2026. The forum's leader, Vasanthkumar Mysoremath, noted that with millions of tourists expected to visit Mysuru for the festival, it is crucial to ensure a healthy and clean environment by making the Dasara 'Tobacco-free'. This move would protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and discourage gutka and paan users from spitting in public places.

Mysoremath emphasized the importance of educating visitors about the dangers of smoking, such as increasing the risk of cancer, tuberculosis, hypertension, and heart diseases. Non-compliance with anti-tobacco laws could result in fines up to ₹200 and potential legal action.

To reinforce the message, large billboards with anti-tobacco slogans could be placed along major roads leading to Mysuru and at popular tourist spots. These billboards may feature messages like "Tobacco kills (with skull and bones picture)", "Smoking in public places invites fines/imprisonment under COTPA", and "Please Cooperate - Make Mysuru Dasara Tobacco Free".

Yuva Dasara, which draws a large crowd of young people, celebrities, and film personalities, can play a significant role in spreading tobacco awareness. These individuals can deliver anti-smoking messages both on and off stage to effectively reach the youth.

To safeguard non-smokers from passive smoking, warning billboards should be strategically placed at all tourist venues. Additionally, empowered officials should be present at crowded areas to warn smokers, issue challans, and collect fines. The massive gathering for the Jumboo Savari, which occurs before the Dasara procession, can also be engaged through mobile loudspeaker announcements warning against the harmful effects of smoking and the environmental impact of discarded cigarette filters.