Mysore's Dusshera ends in pomp and splendour

Image: Karnataka CM speaks at a rally after the Dusshera celebrations in Mysore
Photographs: Madhusudhan S R Vicky Nanjappa in Bengaluru

Over two million people witnessed the famous 4 km-long Jumbo savari which marked the end of the grand 10-day celebration of Dusshera held in Mysore.

Mysore's Dusshera ends in pomp and splendour

Image: Balram, the elephant carries the Howdah during the procession
Photographs: Madhusudhan S R

The 400th edition of the elephant ride drew large crowds and the elephant which carried the golden howdah drew cheers from the crows as it does every year. Balram, the tusker walked away as the star of the event as he was the chosen one to carry the 4900 kg golden howdah this year.

Mysore's Dusshera ends in pomp and splendour

Image: The procession of the royal family of Mysore, which takes place on the palace grounds
Photographs: Madhusudhan S R

Giving Balram company were 12 other elephants, camels, horses and the police contingent apart from various other tableux which depicted the various parts of Karnataka. The procession marks the victory of good over evil and also marks the end of the grand Dusshera celebrations.

Mysore's Dusshera ends in pomp and splendour

Image: Wrestlers as part of a Tableau at the Dusshera celebrations
Photographs: Madhusudhan S R

The event began with Chief Minister of Karantaka, B S Yeddyurappa offering prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari. The idol of the Goddess is placed in the Golden Howdah which is later carried across the city during the jumbo savari.

Mysore's Dusshera ends in pomp and splendour

Image: A fire eater performs at the Dusshera celebrations in Mysore
Photographs: Madhusudhan S R

The festival which was initially conducted by the Wodeyars, the royal family of Mysore, is now a state sponsored event. However the Wodeyars have a private event at the palace every year. The maharaja holds a royal darbar at his palace and receives tributes from the members of his family.

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