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