Mysore Dasara

Well, I was in search for a subject to be posted in my blog, and then did I think of writing about Dasara. It is a season of great celebration especially in Mysore. Mysore is famous as a heritage and traditional city. A land that has been famous for its palaces, Brindavan gardens, sandalwood and not to forget Mysore Mallige. (Mallige is a Kannada word for jasmine). But, Mysore Dasara is world famous. The festival is conducted for 10 days. It is the time when whole of Mysore is totally awake as never before. The city is decorated with lights to make it look as a city of gold. Repair works are undertaken in every part of the city to give the city a fresh new look. There is a sudden raise in the inflow of tourists in the city. One can say that the city is overcrowded. But, I guess its only time Mysore is filled up so much. Ok, coming back o celebrations, there are various trips organized by the state transport corporation to various destinations in and around Mysore. This gives people a chance to see the popular places around Mysore which are probably unknown.

The major focus during Dasara, is the Mysore Palace and the happenings there. The royal darbar (court of the king) sits for the royal session. The king ascends the royal throne and conducts the other mandatory customs that are being carried out from times immemorial. This ceremony is witnessed only by special invitees and members of the royal family. But, it is a very grand affair. The king enters the darbar hall with traditional welcome, guards by his side, and other (so-called) ministers behind him. He ascends the royal throne and conducts the state matters. I’d an opportunity to witness this event long back and it seemed like a scene which I’d seen in some mythological or historical film, where a king enters with a band of people. Many praiseful phrases are showered upon him and the king’s royal attire is a true feast to anyone’s eyes. The silk robe, the jewels etc., just transport us back to the times immemorial!!! On the 10^th day, a grand procession is taken out which usually falls on Vijayadashami. The idol of goddess chamundeshwari is mounted on a 750 kg golden howdah (kind of chariot) which is mounted atop a trained elephant. The elephants are brought to Mysore a month before the festivities. The elephant which carries the idol of the goddess is called “Pattada Aane”. Actually, the king used to sit atop the elephant and appear before his subjects. It’s only recently that the goddess has replaced the king and is taken on a procession. The procession commences at the palace gates and terminates at a place called Bannimantap (a distance of 7-9 kms). A great ocean of humanity witnesses this live others live on TV. During the procession, one can se various folk artistes presenting various folk dances from remote corners of Karnataka. District administrations present tableau representing the special features of various historical monuments and places of Karnataka. School children also present cultural programs. The drama is wound up and the city returns back to normalcy after the 10^th day of Dasara. Next blog, I will write one more important event that is of immense importance and is popular among the youth of Mysore…. “Yuva Dasara”