Context
The 10-day Mysuru Dasara festival (Nada Habba), Karnataka’s official State festival, concluded in Mysuru with the traditional Jumbo Savari on Vijayadashami. The highlight was elephant Abhimanyu majestically carrying the 750-kg golden howdah housing the idol (Utsava Murti) of Goddess Chamundeshwari, symbolising victory of good over evil.
Key Highlights
- Cultural and Spiritual Significance:
- The festival marks Vijayadashami, celebrating Goddess Chamundeshwari’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura — the legend behind Mysuru’s name.
- The Jumbo Savari (elephant procession) is the grand finale, showcasing Karnataka’s royal heritage and syncretic culture.
- The event is deeply rooted in Wadiyar dynasty traditions, blending religion, royalty, and public participation.
- Grand Procession Details:
- The parade stretched from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap along the Raja Marga, covering a 5 km route.
- 59 tableaux representing districts, departments, and cultural themes, along with 90 folk and cultural troupes, participated.
- Elephants like Dhananjaya (Nishane Ane), Gopi (Naupath Ane), Mahendra, Srikanta, Lakshmi, Bheema, Ekalavya, and Abhimanyu formed the core of the procession.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and dignitaries performed the Nandi Dwaja Puja to commence the ritual.
- The event was accompanied by a 21-cannon salute, symbolising royal honour and tradition.
- Security & Crowd Management:
- The police imposed a strict “no pass, no entry” policy and barred people from climbing old buildings along the route.
- Commando security was deployed around Abhimanyu and the golden howdah.
- Despite showers, massive crowds turned up, reflecting the festival’s enduring popularity.
- Cultural Continuity:
- The Dasara festivities reinforce Karnataka’s living cultural heritage, combining devotion, pageantry, and inclusivity.
- Folk arts, music, and district tableaux highlight diversity across Karnataka’s regions.