Kota, October 17: Preparations for the Kota National Dussehra Mela 2026 are in full swing, with the Kota Municipal Corporation working to make the annual fair grander, more attractive and better organised. On Friday night, Mayor Anusuiya Goswami, Mela Officer and Municipal Commissioner Omprakash Mehra, and former Mayor Rajiv Bharti conducted a walking inspection of the fairgrounds to review various arrangements and assess the progress of preparations.
Municipal Corporation officials, administrative and police officers, and public representatives accompanied them during the inspection. The team examined different areas of the fairgrounds, and officials were directed to address shortcomings and improve facilities wherever necessary.
Focus on Commercial Activities and Better Utilisation of Space
During the inspection, Mayor Anusuiya Goswami emphasised improving the commercial potential of the fair. She directed officials to prepare a separate list of shops that had not been rented out for the past four years. She also called for serious consideration of setting up exhibitions in the Phase-II area.
The Mayor suggested preparing an effective plan to allot vacant sheds and permanently closed shops to traders to enhance commercial activity and attract more visitors. She also proposed developing dedicated markets for selected products, including bedsheets and mobile phones, to make shopping more convenient for visitors.
Digital Mapping and a Dedicated Kids’ Zone
Municipal Commissioner Omprakash Mehra suggested equipping the entire fair with digital facilities. He directed officials to introduce a QR-code-based system through which visitors could access a digital map of the fairgrounds and navigate different attractions conveniently.
To strengthen the fair’s cultural and religious appeal, he proposed displaying artistic representations of important episodes and characters from the Ramayana across the premises.
The Commissioner also suggested identifying areas with low visitor footfall and developing a dedicated Kids’ Zone to attract families and improve visitor movement throughout the fair. The zone could feature puppet shows, magic shows and comedy performances to provide entertainment for children and keep less-visited areas lively.
A comprehensive plan is also being prepared to manage crowds at the main entrances by diverting visitors towards alternative entry gates wherever required.
Emphasis on Cleanliness, Lighting and Cultural Decorations
Highlighting the convenience and safety of visitors, Mayor Goswami directed officials to ensure round-the-clock cleanliness throughout the fairgrounds. Cleaning operations should be conducted in three shifts, with special attention to the regular and timely cleaning of public toilets.
She also stressed the need for adequate lighting across the entire premises. The Mayor directed officials to install Ram Dhwaj (saffron religious flags) in outdoor areas to showcase Sanatan cultural traditions.
In addition to decorating the fairgrounds, the city's major roads are also to be specially illuminated and beautified. Officials have been instructed to introduce innovative lighting and decorative arrangements to create a distinctive and memorable experience for tourists and residents visiting Kota during the National Dussehra Mela.
The inspection was aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving visitor facilities, expanding commercial opportunities and ensuring that the 2026 edition of the historic fair is organised in a grand, attractive and orderly manner.
