Mysore Dasara promises a feast of pomp and pageantry

MYSORE - The famed Dasara festival that draws thousands of visitors to this cultural capital of Karnataka every year has got under way, promising a feast of pomp and pageantry over the next nine days.

Recreating the aura of the glorious Vijayanagara Empire and the Wodeyar dynasty, which continues the ancient tradition of celebrating the annual fest, the 400th edition of the cultural fiesta unfolds with a blend of the medieval and the modern to showcase the citys rich culture and tradition.

Dharmasthala temple trust chairman D. Veerendra Heggade Friday heralded the fest with the invocation of Hindu goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi Hills in the presence of Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and royal descendents of the Wodeyars, who continue to be patronised by the 1.5-million denizens of the city of palaces.

I compliment the Wodeyar dynasty in playing a stellar role to sustain the Dasara tradition, which was a showpiece of the Vijayanagara rulers in the 14th century, Heggade said on the occasion.

Held in autumn after the monsoon season, the fest also celebrates the triumph of good over evil, as the legend has it that the goddess (Chamundeshwari), a reincarnation of goddess Durga, killed demon Mahishasura in a battle that lasted 10 days.

According to an official of the Dasara celebrations committee, the fest also heralds the season of classical and popular dances, folklore and a variety of music forms.

Over the decades, with diverse sections of society joining the celebrations, the fest has absorbed varied forms such as Mahila Dasara to focus on women, Grameena Dasara to patronise rural customs and Yuva Dasara to rope in the youth and make the gala event inclusive.

A heady mix of cultural and entertainment programmes are conducted during the week at various venues, the official told IANS.

As night falls, the illuminated royal palace takes centre-stage and forms a backdrop to classical music concerts to be held daily during the fest.

Though the grand fest is held under the auspices of the state government as a public event, the royal familys scion Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar celebrates it as Navarathri (nine nights) in the palace, recreating the glorious tradition of his forefathers, with a retinue of regally attired courtiers in attendance.

The royal durbar is also re-enacted daily in the palace when the scion ascends the throne and receives tributes in token from his family members.

During the fest, Mysore conjures up images of a bygone era of maharajas and palaces, decorated chariots and palanquins, the official added.

Noted classical and popular singers, including Anup Jalota, Rajashekar Mansur, Kailash Kher and Sonu Nigam, will regale the audiences with their soulful renditions.

On the final day (Oct 17), a majestic procession will begin from the palace and traverse through the city thoroughfares to Bannimantap grounds for a torchlight parade, marking the grand finale.

The highlight of the victory procession on Vijayadashami day will be the Jumboo Savari by caparisoned elephants, led by the elephant Balarama carrying the Chamundeshwari deity on a 700-kg golden howdah (seat) astride and followed by horses and camels.

Other events scheduled during the fest are kite flying, cycling, marathon and wrestling matches.