Bangalore, Oct 6 (UNI) Mysore, the City of Palaces, is being spruced up for the famous Dasara festivities, commencing on October 12, even as nearly 1.5 million tourists are expected to visit the city for the festivals.

The ten-day cultural extravaganza, organised as part of the festival, would have various programmes including music and dance, film festivals and sports activities, state Cooperation Minister G T Devegowda told newspersons here today.

Dancer-actor Hema Malini, singers Sonu Nigam and Anuradha Paudhwal would perform during the festival.

The famous Dasara procession would begin from the Palace of the Wodeyars on October 21.

Mr Devegowda said in all Rs ten crore would be spent for the festivity, which was gaining popularity every year.

Cultural evenings would be held at Somnathpur, Nanjangud and Srirangapatna from this year.

State Information, Tourism, Kannada and Culture Secretary I M Vittalamurthy said the Mysore Palace had about 25.35 lakh visitors last year, which was mere 20,000 less compared to the Taj Mahal and 200,000 less compared to the Wax Museum, Maddam Tussads in London.

He said about 200 of the 750 gold cards, each priced at Rs 6,000, had been sold. Each gold card would entitle three visitors to attend various programmes organised in connection with the festival.

UNI