Mysuru, 21 Sept

Mysuru, renowned as the palace city, is gearing up for the much-awaited Dasara festival, celebrated with grandeur and traditional fervour. During these auspicious days of Navaratri, the city will be adorned with "Deepalankaara”, illuminations that beautify the palace, major streets, turnarounds, and prominent buildings, creating a spectacular visual treat for residents and visitors alike.

The cultural scene will be vibrant this year, with numerous artists and troupes from across Karnataka performing at various venues. Events such as food melas, flower shows, farmers’ Dasara, women’s Dasara, Yuva Dasara, children’s Dasara, and poetry recitals promise to attract diverse crowds and enrich the festive atmosphere.

However, this year’s inauguration has sparked controversy. Traditionally, Dasara begins with Vedic rituals and floral offerings to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Critics have argued that the choice of the guest of honour undermines these religious sentiments and longstanding customs.

BJP leaders have particularly objected, following the circulation of an old video in which the guest reportedly expressed reservations about worshipping the Kannada language as "Goddess Bhuvaneshwari," deeming it exclusionary to minorities. The guest, Mushtaq, has defended herself, claiming her statements were selectively edited and misrepresented on social media.

The cultural programmes will be centred around the magnificently illuminated Ambavilasa Palace, which will host acclaimed artists from both the state and national levels. Among the highlights of the festival are the famed Dasara procession, known as Jamboo Sawari, the Torch Light Parade, and the Mysuru Dasara Exhibition, events that consistently draw large crowds.

Adding to the excitement, the Indian Air Force will conduct its much-anticipated Dasara Air Show at Bannimantap Grounds on 27 September and 1 October, showcasing aerial skills to the delight of spectators.

Navaratri celebrations will also see widespread decorations and rituals in homes across Mysuru and neighbouring areas. Traditional practices such as Gombe Habba (arrangement of dolls), Saraswati Pooja, Ayudha Pooja, and Durga Pooja will be observed with devotion and enthusiasm.

The royal family will mark the festival with time-honoured traditions inside the palace. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family, will don grand attire to conduct the Khasagi Durbar, a private durbar where he will ascend the golden throne amid the chanting of Vedic hymns, symbolising continuity of heritage.

The grand finale, the world-famous Jamboo Savaari, will take place on Vijayadashami, 2 October. This majestic procession features caparisoned elephants carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in a gold-covered Howdah.

The lead elephant, ‘Abhimanyu’, who has been carrying the 750 kg Howdah since 2020, is expected to perform the duty again this year.

Historically, Dasara was celebrated by the Vijayanagar rulers and later inherited by the Wadiyars of Mysuru. The Wadiyar King Raja Wadiyar I initiated festivities in 1610. After the abolition of the privy purse in 1971, the royal family’s Dasara celebrations became private affairs.

A subdued public celebration continued locally until 1975, when then Chief Minister D. Devaraja Urs revived the grand state festival, which has been celebrated annually since.

In anticipation of the large crowds, police have made elaborate security and crowd management arrangements to ensure a smooth and safe Dasara celebration this year.

With a blend of vibrant culture, royal traditions, and community participation, Mysuru’s Dasara festival remains one of India’s most iconic and eagerly awaited celebrations.