An aerial view of the Mysore Palace illuminated for the 2011 Dasara festival.
Dasara in Mysore has a royal connection that goes back in history to the Medieval ages. It was celebrated by the Maharajas till the late 1960s after which the institution of royalty was abolished. However, the Government of Karnataka continued to organise the festival, and the spirit with which it is held is reflective of the glory of a bygone era.
The Vijayadashami procession which is also called the Jumboo Savari marks the culmination of Dasara. The “Dasara stars” are the 12 elephants led by Balarama who carries the 750 kg golden howdah with the idol of Chamundeshwari on his back and marches from the Palace to Bannimantap grounds to bring down the curtains on the festival.
All photos by G.R.N. Somashekar
Artistes performing the Koraga Dance as part of the Dasara celebrations at the Mysore Palace.
Veeragase dancers of the Saivaite tradition all set to perform.
An artist dressed like a Rakshasa (demon) entertaining the audience.
Participants from Africa taking part in the festivities.
Jogatis performing their traditional dance.
A Jogati dancing with the KoDa on the head.
A tableau at the Dasara procession.
Wrestlers praying before a match (Vajra Musti Kalaga).
Wrestling match in progress.
Artists performing the Dollu Kunitha, a popular drum dance of Karnataka.
The Maharaja of Mysore, Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, performing the Ayudha Pooja at the Palace.
Elephants decorated for the Dasara procession.
Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar mounting the silver chariot for the procession.
The Maharaja of Mysore
Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar going in a ceremonial procession in the silver chariot.
The Dasara procession leaving the Palace.
On its way...
Crowds throng the procession as it is taken through the streets of Mysore.
The procession at KR Circle in Mysore.
A view of the illuminated Mysore Palace.
Published on October 7, 2011
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