Mysuru is famous for its Dasara and its annual flower show, which started on October 11 and will continue until October 21. This year’s theme is democracy, and the flower show is a beautiful floral representation of Vidhana Soudha and reminds us of voting and democratic participation.
The flower show has been praised by various news media for its grandeur and its message to citizens that we have to vote. But although the exhibition is appreciated, there are allegations from local residents about the high entry charges, which raise questions about the conduct of those who run the event.
Mysuru Flower Show and Its History.
The flower show is organised by the Department of Horticulture in cooperation with the local Horticultural Society every year. The tradition was initiated by M. H. Marigowda in 1951, a practice that is associated with the Wadiyar dynasty’s legacy of promoting horticulture and garden culture in Mysuru.
Over the years the flower show has become an important attraction during the Dasara season, drawing residents and visitors who come to admire the elaborate floral arrangements and themed displays. This year’s democracy-related exhibition with Vidhana Soudha’s representation aims to remind people of the importance of their vote and to participate in the democratic process.
However, allegations of overcharging have now brought attention to a different aspect of the event, with some residents questioning whether visitors are being charged fairly.
Unreasonable Entry charges are being considered by locals.
Some Horticulture Department staff in Mysuru are charging visitors more than the entry fee, they said. For the locals, the official ticket prices are ₹60 for adults and ₹30 for children, which they consider reasonable.
But there is one case of a family that has raised some concern. A 10-year-old child was charged ₹60 instead of the price the children's tickets were said to be ₹30, according to residents, and the family was charged ₹30 for a 5-year-old child.
The parents were upset by the charges and confronted the officials about the amount collected. After the confrontation, the money was returned to the family.
What has raised an issue is whether other people are affected by similar overcharging at the flower show.
Residents question Staff Conduct and Accountability
There is a growing concern that the staff at ticket collection are not holding themselves accountable for the tickets that are being collected. But the manager who oversees the staff is turning a blind eye to it, the residents say.
Neighbors have also questioned whether visitors who are unfamiliar with Mysuru would know the actual ticket prices or challenge the amount being collected. The charges demanded at the entrance are legitimate and pay without questioning them, they worry, they say.
Neighborhood people also claim that the money is only returned when visitors confront the staff, and those who don’t question the charges may pay more than the advertised rates. There are questions about the transparency of ticket collection and how effective supervision should be.
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