|
Caparisoned elephant carrying golden howdah
|
This festival is held in October every year in
Mysore city and is celebrated with pomp and pageantry, echoing the
grandeur of its royal past. Dasara celebrates the victory of good over
evil, marking the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by the goddess
Chamundeshwari. The palace and city are lit up for ten days and the entire
city wears a festive look. Festivals of music, dance and theatre are held.
The Dasara exhibition, craft fairs, film festivals and vajramushti
(traditional wrestling matches) entertain visitors. The highlight of the
festivities is the Dasara procession held on Vijayadashami, the tenth,
penultimate day. It is led by caparisoned elephants carrying an idol of
goddess Chamundeswari seated in a golden howdah (elephant seat).
Following, are decorated horses, folk dancers and colourful floats. The
procession wends its way from the Maharaja's palace to the torch light
parade ground. the procession then returns to the palace. The closing
ceremonies include cultural performances from different states, gymnastic
and equestrian events, followed by a torch light tattoo and
fireworks.
|
Golden
Howdah
