The grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations reached their peak on October 21 with the iconic Jamboo Savari procession, showcasing Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage and royal traditions. The 11-day festival, held from October 11 to 21, attracted visitors with its traditional ceremonies, colourful performances and spectacular displays.
The procession featured the 750-kilogram golden howdah, known as Chinnada Ambari, carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The decorated elephant Prashantha carried the howdah along the five-kilometre route from Mysuru Palace to Bannimantap.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar launched the procession, which featured caparisoned elephants, folk performances and colourful tableaux. Air Force aerobatic displays added to the celebrations, drawing attention from spectators gathered along the route.
The event also witnessed the presence of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Kerala leader V.D. Satheesan and actor Kiccha Sudeep, adding to the significance of the state’s biggest cultural festival.
However, the celebrations were also marked by concerns elsewhere in Karnataka. An elephant reportedly became agitated during the Shivamogga Dasara procession, while a separate controversy emerged in Tumakuru over the use of temple funds for a local event.
The festivities are set to conclude with the traditional torchlight parade and a final drone show at Bannimantap. Mysuru Dasara remains one of Karnataka’s most prominent cultural celebrations, bringing together religious traditions, royal history and public festivities.