Mysuru Dussehra Reaches Grand Finale with ‘Jamboo Savari’

The 11-day Mysuru Dussehra festivities reached their grand finale on Wednesday with the traditional ‘Jamboo Savari’ procession, celebrating Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage, royal traditions and the spirit of Vijayadashami.

Celebrated as ‘Nada Habba’, or the state festival, Mysuru Dussehra attracted thousands of people who gathered along the procession route to witness the spectacular celebrations. A dozen caparisoned elephants, led by Prashantha, were set to participate in the procession, with the lead elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, Mysuru’s presiding deity, in a 750-kg golden howdah, known as the ‘Ambari’.

The celebrations began with Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, ministers and other dignitaries offering prayers to the ‘Nandi Dhwaja’ at the Balarama Gate of Amba Vilas Palace during the auspicious ‘Makara Lagna’. Shivakumar also extended Vijayadashami greetings to the people of Karnataka.

Meanwhile, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family, performed traditional rituals during the ‘Vijaya Yatra’ from Amba Vilas Palace to the Bhuvaneshwari Devi temple, including special prayers to the Shami tree.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy were among the prominent guests invited by Shivakumar. Ambassadors, consuls general and high commissioners from several countries also attended the celebrations.

The procession featured cultural troupes and tableaux representing various districts, government departments, welfare schemes and social messages. Representations of the three wings of the Defence Forces showcased their valour and service, while Kannada film personalities also participated. The procession covered approximately five kilometres before culminating at Bannimantapa.

Shivakumar and other dignitaries were scheduled to flag off the Jamboo Savari during the auspicious ‘Meena Lagna’. Twenty-one cannon shots were planned as Prashantha, accompanied by ‘Kumki’ elephants, arrived at the specially erected dais.

The tradition dates back to the Mysuru royal era, when kings rode in the howdah. Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar was the last ruling king to ride in it. Today, the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari occupies the howdah, whose wooden core is covered with approximately 80 kg of gold.

The annual celebration marks Vijayadashami, symbolising the victory of good over evil.