Mysore Dasara Part 2

Mysore Dasara the celebration was started in the year 1610 AD in Srirangapatna by Raja Wadiyar. Later this was moved to Mysore, following the death of Tipu Sultan. This 400 the year-old festival carries forward the culture and tradition of faith,  through the age-old rituals and practices. Till date, some of the rituals are still followed diligently by the Mysore Royal family and revered by all.

The current Scion of the Mysore Royal Family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and his wife Trishika Kumari Wadiyar will participate in the Public as well as private Dasara celebrations.

The Dasara celebration commences with the royal couple offering a special puja in the Chamundi Temple, perched on the top of Chamundi Hill. Royal family members, Ministers, high-ranking officers, and other invitees attend the Puja.

 At the Durbar hall, His Highness Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, dressed in royal attire and traditional headgear will ascend the seven steps to the golden throne - which is assembled according to religious instructions - at a preordained hour and will receive obeisance from the public. Signature music, flowers, and well wishes are showered, making alive the old tradition of a by-gone golden era.

The throne, or Chinnada Simhasana or Ratna Simhasana is one of the major attractions of the Palace. It is kept for public viewing only during the Dasara festival. The Throne comprises a main seat, steps leading to the main seat, and a golden umbrella over the main seat. The throne and umbrella both are studded with precious gems, and embellished with gold, silver, precious stones and ivory and intricately carved and decorated.

Another attraction from the royal family and especially during the Dasara procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari which is carried in a golden howdah, decorated with 84 kg of gold, weighing over 750 kg on top of an elephant. Pre-independence, the king himself used to lead the procession seated upon Golden howdah on the royal elephant back.

The sheer magnetic euphoria when during the evening hours, the majestic palace is illuminated with more than 100,000 lamps simultaneously, creating an aura of magic, magnificence and opulence is an emotion to be witnessed and a joy to be carried in the heart and mind for long.