Mysuru (Karnataka), Oct 14 (IANS): Wodiyar dynasty's new head and Mysuru's titular Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja on Tuesday ascended the golden throne in the Amba Vilas Palace here, marking the first day of the 10-day Dasara festival.
Dressed in traditional robes, with the royal headgear his ancestors sported once, the 23-year-old performed various rituals before climbing the throne around noon, considered auspicious, in the private portion of the royal palace in the city, about 150km from Bengaluru.
"The khas durbar, which is the private area of the royal family, came alive after a year with our new maharaja sitting on the throne amid chanting of Vedic hymns and rituals," a palace official told IANS.
After Srikantadatta Wodiyar passed away on December 10, 2013 in Bengaluru without naming a successor, the royal sword (pattada katti) was placed on the throne at the start of the Navaratri festival in the absence of his successor until his widow Pramoda Devi adopted Yaduveer. His coronation took place in May this year.
Yaduveer gave a royal salute as the police band played the erstwhile Mysore state anthem "Kayo Sri Gowri" in the background. He also received offerings from 24 mutts and temples, including Chamundi Hill, Srirangapatna, Melukote and Sringeri Sharada peetam and blessings of palace priests.
"He also offered prayers to the idol of Hindu goddess Chamundeshwari at 'kanna thotti' (cradle) in the palace premises after holding royal durbar from the throne," the official added.
As the state government sponsors the Dasara celebrations in this cultural capital of Karnataka, progressive farmer Puttaiah from nearby H.D. Kote inaugurated the 10-day festival in presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a few cabinet ministers and other dignitaries.
"As most parts of the state are reeling under drought due to deficit monsoon and agrarian crisis gripping the state with about 500 farmers committing suicide since July, the state government has decided to keep the Dasara fest a low-key celebration to express solidarity with the farming community," an official said.