Karnataka - Mysore   

A matchless and awe-inspiring spectacle

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

Catching attention: An artiste participating in the Dasara procession performing a stunt in Mysore on Sunday.

MYSORE: It is one event that can be cherished for life. The grandeur of Dasara procession in Mysore with a decked-up tusker carrying the golden howdah on its back and 11 caparisoned jumbos marching majestically obeying the instructions of their masters, is indeed matchless and awe-inspiring.

Truly, the “Jamboo Savari”, as the Dasara procession is popularly known, was a splendid treat to the eyes, watched across the country and world, as Doordarshan had arranged live coverage of the grand event.

On Sunday, a record number of people watched the procession.

The 3.5-km distance from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap grounds (the procession route) was packed with young and old alike, including several domestic and foreign tourists.

The entire stretch of procession route had turned into a sea of humanity as people braved scorching sun to watch the “Ambari” and the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari seated on the back of Balarama, which has been carrying the howdah for the record ninth time. The police had a tough time controlling the crowds. Security was extremely tight.

This year, 89 cultural art forms, including 22 attractive floats (tableaux), were part of the procession, which got off to a colourful start at 2:20 p.m. on the palace premises with Governor Rameshwar Thakur flagging off the grand march.

Tibetan folk artistes, a Sivara folk troupe from Rajasthan and “Jagga Halige Kunita” artistes took part in the procession for the first time.

Over a dozen “jaggahalige”, a percussion instrument made of bullock cartwheel, was played in the impressive procession.

A chief choreographer was seen controlling the rhythms with small a percussion instrument called “Kanihaligi”. The loud sound from the instruments reverberated drawing the attention of enthusiastic spectators.

As promised by the Dasara Festivities Committee, the quality of tableaux had improved this year.

The tableaux of Bellary Zilla Panchayat comprising the “gopura” of Lord Virupaksha Temple at Hampi, the statue of “Ugra Narasimha”, the king’s “tulabhara” and “Jeevantha Hampi Bazaar” was most impressive among the cultural floats.

Mysore Heritage, the tableaux of Mysore Zilla Panchayat and the tableaux on Women Empowerment by the Department of Information also drew applause.

Mysore Heritage float was appreciated as it highlighted the specialities of Mysore like “Mysooru Mallige”, “Mysooru Veled Yele” (betel leaves) among other specialities along with its rich cultural heritage.

The float depicting the significance of women empowerment with a life-size image of woman playing with a child, the schemes launched for the welfare of women and girl children, including the bicycle scheme launched for girl children by the previous coalition government, was also attractive.

Another attractive float was from Tumkur Zilla Panchayat.

It highlighted the service of Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Math by showcasing the “Akshara Dasoha” scheme launched by the math for 13,000 children.

“Vishwa Shanthi Sandesha,” the tableaux of BEML Kannada Sangha of Mysore made the crowd raise slogans such as “Jai Hind”.

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