Amidst the cheering of lakhs of people the Jumboo Savari or elephant march at Mysuru, the princely city on Saturday brought curtains down to the 10 day Navaratri celebrations or popularly known as world famous Mysuru Dasara.
Mysuru Dasara is celebrated as State festival and Government makes festivity colourful with the participation of royal family of Mysuru Wodeyars. This time the Jumboo Savari with Arjuna, the huge tuskar carrying the 750 kg golden Howdah brought immense fervour to the festivity. The dasara festivity is symbolic celebration of victory over evil.
Mysuru the traditional and cultural city in Karnataka has celebrated 407th dasara, this year a tradition passed on from Vijayangara Empire. According to legend the Goddess Chamnudeshwari slew the demon Mahishasura on Vijaya Dashami day. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Cabinet colleagues apart from officials took part in the celebration.
Jamboo Savari is the spectacular march of the elephants which attracts thousands across the continents. Jumboo Savari and other State Government promoted tableaux which represent Karnataka’s tradition and culture were part of the elephant march from palace to Bannimantapa.
The Mysuru Palace is lit up with 1,00,000 light bulbs in the night for the duration of the 10 day festival. Further, the Mysore Dasara Procession will be followed by the Torchlight Parade which attracts lakhs of people.
This time too, the main attraction of the jumboo savari or elephant procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed in a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant Arjuna surrounded by many elephants as his co marchers. According to police sources over a million people watched the elephant march flagged off by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.