Curtains come down on Mysuru Dasara festivites

Bengaluru: The world renowned 10-day long Mysuru Dasara festivities came to an end Friday with a colourful procession here.

Tens of thousands of people witnessed the “Jamboo Sawari, a march of a dozen caparisoned elephants led by Arjuna carrying the idol of the Mysuru royal family’s Goddess Chamundeshwari on the 750 kg golden ‘howdah’ (casket).

However, in view of a death in the Mysuru royal family, many Dasara rituals associted with its members were postponed to October 22.

The government-organised events, celebrated as naada habba (State festival), were held as scheduled, showcasing Karnatakas cultural heritage.

Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and his wife Anitha Kumaraswamy flagged off the finale of Dasara festivities by offering special prayers to the idol of Chamundeshwari.

Kumaraswamys father and former prime minister H D Devegowda and his wife Channamma also were present so as ministers and the MLAs.

Starting from the imposing Mysuru palace, the procession covered a distance of five km before ending at Bannimantapa.

The Dasara procession is held on “Vijayadashami” day, signifying the victory of good over evil.

The rulers of Mysuru or the Wadiyars had been the worshippers of Durga and had established their family Goddess atop a hillock, which has been named as Chamundi Hills.