Mysuru (Karnataka), Oct 11 The famous 11-day Dasara celebrations commenced here on Sunday amid religious fervour and traditional grandeur, with Koppal’s Gavimath pontiff Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji inaugurating the festivities.
Celebrated as ‘Nada Habba’ (state festival), the Dasara or ‘Sharan Navaratri’ festivities are expected to be a grand affair this year, depicting Karnataka’s rich culture and traditions, coupled with reminiscence of royal pomp and glory.
The Swamiji inaugurated the festivities during the auspicious “Dhanur Lagna” by showering flowers on the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru and its royals, amid chanting of Vedic hymns by priests, at the premises of Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hills here.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and several state ministers accompanied the Swamiji at the inauguration.
Earlier, the Swamiji, along with the CM and other dignitaries, also visited the Chamundeshwari temple and offered prayers to the goddess, who is referred to as the “Naada Devate” (state deity), ahead of the inauguration.
The 11-day event, like every year, is likely to showcase Karnataka’s cultural heritage resplendent with folk art forms; it attracts large crowds and tourists, officials have said.
Various programmes will be held during the auspicious days of Navrathri, during which the palaces, major streets, turnarounds or circles and buildings of Mysuru will be illuminated with lights, fondly known as “Deepalankaara”.
Dozens of events that attract people include a food mela, flower show, cultural programmes, farmers’ Dasara, women’s Dasara, Yuva Dasara, children’s Dasara, poetry recital, and musical shows, among others.
Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of the coastal region, is also part of this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
Besides, the famous Dasara procession (Jumboo Sawari), Torch Light Parade, Mysuru Dasara Exhibition, and a drone show featuring 3,500 LED drones, attract a large number of people during the festivities.
The iconic Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force will enthral the people of Mysuru with spectacular aerial displays from October 18 to 20, while tableaux representing all three wings of our Defence Forces will showcase their valour, service and spirit during the grand procession on Vijayadashami.
The Navaratri include various decorations and celebrations in households across Mysuru and surrounding areas, namely ‘Gombe habba’ (arrangement of traditional dolls), Saraswati Pooja, Ayudha Pooja and Durga Pooja, among others.
The Mysuru royal family will celebrate the festival as per their traditions in the palace during these days. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family, dressed in grand attire, will conduct “Khasagi durbar” (private durbar) by ascending the golden throne, amid chanting of Vedic hymns.
World-famous ‘Jamboo Savaari’, a procession of caparisoned elephants carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed in a Howdah covered with gold on Vijayadashmi, marks the culmination of celebrations on October 21.
Dasara was celebrated by the rulers of the Vijayanagar empire, and the tradition was inherited by the Wadiyars of Mysuru. Festivities were first started in Mysuru by the Wadiyar King, Raja Wadiyar I, in the year 1610.
It became a private affair of the royal family following the abolition of the privy purse in 1971 and the discontinuation of the privileges of the erstwhile rulers.
However, a low-key Dasara used to be held on the initiative of the local people until the state government stepped in and the then chief minister D Devaraja Urs revived the Dasara celebrations in 1975, which are being followed to date.
Police have made elaborate security and crowd management arrangements for a smooth Dasara this year, officials said.
Addressing the inaugural event, Shivakumar described Mysuru Dasara as a confluence of strength, knowledge, culture and equality, saying the festival reflects the state’s cultural identity and the transition from royal grandeur to democratic celebrations.
He said the festival had evolved from a royal tradition into a people’s celebration, showcasing India’s cultural heritage through Mysuru.
Mysuru’s wealth lay not only in its palaces but also in the trust people placed in its name, the CM said, adding that the city’s identity had been shaped by generations of rulers, artists, artisans, musicians, teachers and traders.
He also expressed deep respect for religious pontiffs and the role monasteries play in preserving Karnataka’s culture and traditions and contributing to education and social welfare. Many social responsibilities that would otherwise fall on the government are being carried out by monasteries, he added.
Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji said Mysuru Dasara, once a festival of rulers, has evolved into a celebration of the people. He called for collective efforts to protect land, water, farmers and Kannada culture.
Inaugurating the festivities, the swamiji said the grandeur of the historic festival rested on the hard work of thousands of people whose contributions often went unnoticed.
“I have come to the presence of Goddess Chamundeshwari with a prayer that the lamp lit by great personalities should continue to burn,” he said, adding that he prayed for good rainfall and agricultural prosperity in Karnataka, happiness for farmers, and peace and well-being for the people.
(PTI News)
