Mysuru: Department of Tourism has decided to distribute a pair of new uniforms and turbans to select 50 tongawalas in city for Dasara. The uniforms will reflect royal tradition started by the Maharajas and will be given to the members of Shah Pasand Tonga Association. The historic Tongas and Sarots are an integral part of Mysuru tourism industry.
Earlier, the State Government used to distribute new uniforms and turbans to tongawalas and provide them an honorarium of Rs. 10,000 every Dasara as part of tradition and recognising their role in promotion of tourism activities in city. However, the previous Government stopped such a practice and the reason given was that these tongawalas come from an unorganised sector and they are not affiliated to any formal association. There are nearly 150 tongawalas in Mysuru.
