Daijiworld Media Network – Mysuru
Mysuru, Oct 2: The 10-day Mysuru Dasara celebrations concluded in spectacular fashion on Vijayadashami, Thursday, with the grand Jamboo Savari procession and a dazzling torchlight parade, drawing lacs of spectators and reaffirming the festival's reputation as Karnataka’s most iconic cultural event.
At the heart of the celebrations was 59-year-old Abhimanyu, who carried the 750-kg golden howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, flanked by elephants Kaveri and Roopa. Abhimanyu’s stately march on Raja Marga captivated onlookers, many of whom had arrived early morning to secure viewing spots.
The procession began at 1.20 pm with chief minister Siddaramaiah performing the traditional Nandi Dhwaja puja at the palace’s Balarama Gate. Later, during the auspicious Kumbha Lagna, he showered flower petals on the idol to mark the formal start of the Jamboo Savari, as a 21-cannon salute echoed across the grounds.
“This celebration reflects the pride and tradition of Karnataka. Mysuru Dasara continues to unite people through culture,” Siddaramaiah said.
Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, minister H C Mahadevappa, Kannada and Culture minister Shivaraj Thangadagi, Justice Vibhu Bakhru, and MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar were among the dignitaries present.
A total of 14 elephants participated, with Dhananjaya as the lead flag-bearing elephant and Gopi as insignia-bearer. The route spanned 5 km, from the palace to Bannimantap Grounds, passing through Albert Victor Road, K R Circle, and Sayyaji Rao Road.
The parade featured 58 tableaux and over 90 cultural troupes, including tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, as the event coincided with Gandhi Jayanti.
Despite intermittent drizzle, large crowds lined the route. Security was tight, with drones, CCTVs, and a strict “no pass, no entry” policy enforced.
Later, the torchlight parade at Bannimantap, in the presence of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, brought the curtains down on the festival with military displays, stunts, and fireworks.
Mysuru now returns to normalcy after hosting lakhs of visitors, as planning quietly begins for Dasara 2025.