Bengaluru, Sep 22 : Minister for Social Welfare Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa said on Friday that the Congress government will hold a "simple and meaningful" Dasara, the state festival, this time in the backdrop of the severe drought situation existing in the state.

Making the announcement on social media, Minister Mahadevappa said that "due to the failure of rain the farmers in the state are in a crisis situation. In this backdrop, it has been decided to celebrate a meaningful Dasara festival."  The festival, which attracts international and national tourists from all over to Mysuru city, is celebrated every year during the festival of Vijayadashami with all the grandeur and pompous style.  The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Sugarcane Cultivators Association and other organisations have demanded a low-key affair celebration on Dasara.  Minister Mahadevappa is the district in-charge minister for Mysuru district and Dasara Executive Committee President. The 10-day Dasara festival will be celebrated in the month of October.