Daijiworld Media Network – Mysuru
Mysuru, Oct 22: The world-famous Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari, the grand finale of the historic annual festivities, concluded successfully and smoothly on Wednesday, with Captain Prashantha making history by carrying the 750-kg golden howdah bearing Goddess Chamundeshwari for the first time.
Although Prashantha had been participating in the Dasara celebrations for the past 18 years, this was his maiden outing as the bearer of the golden howdah, which carries the presiding deity of Mysuru. With a majestic gait and remarkable composure, the elephant led the grand procession, adding a historic chapter to the city's celebrated Dasara tradition.
Following Jayamarthanda, Prashantha became the 13th elephant to carry the golden howdah in the history of Mysuru Dasara, marking a significant milestone in the annual celebration.
The ceremonial proceedings began with the Nandi Dhwaja puja, followed by the floral offering to Goddess Chamundeshwari within the Mysuru Palace premises at the auspicious Meena Lagna.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar performed the pushparchane (floral offering) to the deity for the first time in his capacity as chief minister.
The solemn yet celebratory occasion was witnessed by the chief minister's wife, Usha; chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh; royal family member and MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar; district in-charge minister Yathindra; Kannada and Culture minister Shivaraj Tangadagi; deputy commissioner Lakshmikantha Reddy; and city police commissioner Seema Latkar.
Kerala, Telangana chief ministers add lustre to festivities
Adding a special dimension to this year's celebrations, Kerala chief minister Satheesan and Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy attended the Jamboo Savari for the first time, witnessing the grandeur of Mysuru's iconic procession.
Their presence, alongside senior state officials and dignitaries, was a notable feature of this year's festivities, which once again showcased Mysuru's rich royal heritage, religious traditions and cultural splendour.
The successful conclusion of the Jamboo Savari marked the culmination of one of Karnataka's most celebrated annual festivals, with Prashantha's historic debut as the golden howdah bearer emerging as a defining moment of this year's Dasara.