Unfolding of the magnificent Jumboo Savari marked the end of ten-day world famous Dasara festivities at Mysuru on Friday. The culmination of festivity marked the grandeur of Jamboo Savari (Elephant Procession) watched by lakhs of people.
The curtains came down for ‘naada habba’ (State festival) with the Vijyadashami procession symbolising the triumph of good over evil and attraction inherited from the Vijyanagara emperors. An event that showcased the cultural diversity of the State with diverse folk art forms.
Even though the State Government scaled down the mega event due to severe drought and farmers suicides, the procession was held as grand event.
The two-km long procession began with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah performing puja to the ‘traditional Nandi dhawaja in front of the Mysore Palace.
later offering flowers to goddess Chamundesdwari, the presiding deity of this heritage city, the goddess was placed on tusker Arjuna carrying the 750-kg golden howdah in front of the imposing Mysore Palace.
The majestic 55 year-old tusker Arjuna was flanked by its mates Chaitra and Cauvery the other Pachyderms that took part in the procession were tastefully decorated and proved to be the cynosure of all eyes.
The caparisoned Naupat-elephant or Nishane-elephant Balarama, joined by pachyderms marched in tandem as onlookers, who included a number of foreigners, cheered them till they reach the Bannimantap, a five kms journey.
In all 65 units formed for the procession that included more than 50 groups of folk dancers, cultural artists, musicians, a number of platoons belonging to police force, various bands and was led by Nadaswara artists.
Showcasing the cultural diversity of the State, in all 23 tableaux offered a glimpse of the art and culture of Karnataka while the folk troupes with the rhythmic beat of the percussionists infused an element of zest to the procession. The enthusiasm of the crowd watching the razzmatazz of colour and pageantry was matched by the curiosity of the onlookers on the latest achievements of the State Government.
The tradition of the grand finale to Dasara festivities originated during the Vijyanagara Empire and later passed on to Wadiyars of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom; the golden period of Dasara celebrations began with the arrival of Nnalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the benevolent prince who worked for the development of the Mysore Region.
For the first time newly adopted scion of Mysore royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, district in-charge Minister V Srinivasa Prasad, city Mayor lingappa shared dais along with Chief Minister for offering flower to the Sri Chamundeswari idol kept in the golden howdah. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala will also receive the salute at the torch light parade in Bannimantap, bringing the end of Dasara in Mysuru.