Dussehra 2017: Mysuru Dasara festivities conclude with grand Jamboo Savari

The procession of the 407th edition of 'Mysuru Dasara' commenced with Chief Minister Siddaramaih performing puja to 'Nandi Dhwaja' around 2.15 PM during the auspicious 'Makara langa'.

A sea of humanity watched the famed Jamboo Savari abounding with caparisoned elephants and cultural troupes, that brought the curtains down on the 407th edition of the Mysuru Dasara on Saturday.

The iconic Amba Vilas Palace, the venue of the Vijayadashami procession, and the 4-km-long procession route till Bannimantap, was brimming with people, who keenly watched the three-hour-long colourful cultural extravaganza.

People belonging to all age groups dressed in colourful outfits lined up to catch the glimpse of majestic tusker Arjuna carrying the 750 kg golden 'howdah' (ornate carriage) with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

The procession of the 407th edition of 'Mysuru Dasara' commenced with Chief Minister Siddaramaih performing puja to 'Nandi Dhwaja' around 2.15 PM during the auspicious 'Makara langa'. This was followed by a roll out of tableaux from different districts and departments, and police contingents marching to the band tune. He offered prayers at Nandi Dhwaja seeking peace in the State and prosperity of the people.

The "Jumbo savari" observed in the royal style since the days of the erstwhile Mysuru Maharajas, began with Siddaramaiah showering petals on goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of the historical city, amidst the gun salute.

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, the scion of the erstwhile Mysuru Royal family, was present at the event to shower petals on the goddess.

The cynosure of all eyes was Arjuna, who carried the 750 kg golden howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, flanked by elephants Vijaya and Kaveri at the fag end of the procession. As Arjuna approached the podium, 21 rounds of canon shots were fired even as the police band played the National Anthem and the three elephants raised their trunk in salute.

The regal march of the caparisoned elephants was led by Nishane elephant Balarama, closely followed by the royal elephant Gajendra. Accompanied by folk artistes dancing to the rhythm and beat of cymbals and drums, the other elephants - Varalakshmi, Gopi, Vikrama, Harsha and Prashanth - added sheen to the procession which got off to an impressive start at 2.15 PM.

The police band was closely followed by the old canons used during the medieval times and which are part of the palace collections. A significant aspect of this year's procession was the accommodation of a large number of cultural troupes from different States as well.

The customary trademarks of the region including Veeragaase, Dollu Kunitha, Keelukudure, Hejje Mela and Garudi Gombe were part of the spectacle.

OneIndia News