Mysuru, 2 Oct

Curtains came down on the 11-day-long world-renowned Mysuru Dasara celebrations in the palace city on Thursday, with a spectacular procession on the occasion of Vijayadashami, marking the grand finale.

Celebrated as 'Nada Habba' (State festival), the Dasara or 'Sharan Navaratri' festivities was a grand affair this year, showcasing Karnataka's rich culture and traditions, reminiscent of royal pomp and glory.

The grand procession, attended by thousands, began with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah along with a host of ministers and dignitaries offering pooja to the 'Nandi Dhwaja' (Nandi Flag) between 1pm and 1.18pm during the auspicious "Dhanur Lagna" at the Balarama gate of the imposing Amba Vilas Palace.

"If people are happy and participate in large numbers, we are happy...Mysuru Dasara has attracted more tourists this year, I welcome them," Siddaramaiah said at the event. Noting that this was the eight Dasara he was attending as Chief Minister, he asserted that he would preside over next year’s as well.

After offering pooja, Siddaramaiah greeted the people on the occasion of Vijayadashami.

The procession covered a distance of about 5kms before culminating at Bannimantapa.

The Chief Minister and other dignitaries, including Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, the erstwhile Mysuru royal family scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar flagged off the 'Jamboo Savari' by showering flowers on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, placed in a howdah, during auspicious "Kumbha Lagna" between 4.42 pm and 5.06 pm.

Twenty-one shots were fired from the cannons, as elephant Abhimanyu, which is carrying the goddess in howdah for the sixth time, flanked by 'Kumki' elephants -- Cauvery and Roopa -- arrived at the specially erected dais, from where the dignitaries offered flowers to the goddess.

Various programmes were held for the last ten auspicious days of Navrathri, during which the palace, major streets, turnarounds or circles and buildings of Mysuru were illuminated with lights, fondly known as "Deepalankaara", and cultural programmes were held at various venues.

The festivities included events like food mela, flower show, cultural programmes, farmers' Dasara, women's Dasara, Yuva Dasara, children's Dasara, and poetry recital, along with regular crowd-pullers like the, airshow, torch light parade, drone show, and Mysuru Dasara exhibition.

58 tableaux provide glimpse of State’s heritage

Fifty-eight tableaux from 31 districts of in Karnataka and Union government institutions held a mirror to Karnataka’s rich history, arts and crafts and architecture while folk artists from 151 troupes presented dances showcasing the state’s arts and culture. They performed for thousands of people at the Balarama Gate of Mysuru Palace, which had a seating 48,000 people.

Highlights included Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s tableau on the Shakti scheme, HAL’s achievements, BEML’s role in defence, and Indian Railways’ works on Chenab and Pamban bridges.

Districts showcased local heritage: Mandya recalled the Shivapura Flag Hoisting, Chikkaballapur its scientists, Dharwad its national flag units, and Udupi its cleanliness drive.

Kalaburagi highlighted Sharana Basaveshwara and Bahamani legacy, Kodagu promoted trekking routes, Mysuru displayed the Badanavalu Khadi Gramodyog Centre, and Bengaluru City presented “Brand Bengaluru” initiatives. Other tableaux depicted Kudalasangama, Kinnala art, the Shiva idol at Sivarigi, Channapatna dolls, Kambala, Rani Chennamma, and Chitradurga Fort.

Gadag showcased its Jodi Kalasadagudi temple, Chamarajangar district displayed its forests, and Belagavi District displayed about Mahakali Mayakka temple, to name a few.