Mysuru: Following the state chief minister’s initiative, the illumination of Mysuru Palace and landmarks in the city will continue till October 8.

During the torch-light parade on October 31, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the extension of the special illumination of the roads and landmarks in the city.

Accordingly Deputy Commissioner D Randeep, who is also the Executive Officer of Mysuru Palace Board, confirmed that the palace would also be illuminated from 7 PM to 8 PM till October 8.

The move to retain the illumination timings will give visitors and residents of the city another opportunity to witness and enjoy the visual treat the illumination offers. For those whose hopes were dashed on account of rains that lashed the city before Dasara, it will be another opportunity to enjoy the visual treat before October 8.

There were few representations from the local tourism industry to the state chief minister and district in-charge minister to extend the illumination for another week from Sunday, October 1.

With the administration responding, people linked to tourism are confident that the illumination of palace will help retain a large number of tourists post Dasara.

City of Culture Mysuru had turned into a “City of Lights” after Dasara began on September 21 with several kilometres of the streets, circles, and junctions in the Central Business District and elsewhere sporting dazzling lights from 7 PM to 9.30 PM with Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company (CESC) contributing its best.