Jamboo Savari brings curtains to Mysuru Dasara
The curtains came down on the 11-day Mysuru Dasara celebrations with a grand Jamboo Savari on Wednesday as a sea of humanity thronged the city center to catch a glimpse of the iconic Vijayadashami procession that marked the culmination of the cultural extravaganza.
All roads led to the City of Palaces for the finale of Dasara, where the famous golden Howdah appeared and elephants caparisoned as the cynosure of all eyes. Colorful and amazing celebrations attracted thousands of visitors.
Nandi Dhwaja Puja
Accompanied by his cabinet colleagues and local elected representatives, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar set the stage for the Dasara procession by performing the customary ‘Nandi Dwaja’ puja at the Balarama Palace gate around 1.40 pm.
The puja was followed by a ceremonial procession of elephants with veteran Abhimanyu performing as “Nishane Ane” followed by eight other caparisoned elephants led by their mahouts. The parade started around 2:20 p.m
This was Abhimanyu’s last Dasara appearance after his retirement from active Dasara duties after reaching the age of 60. His participation marked a farewell for the legendary tusker, whose admirers and animal lovers sought appropriate encouragement in recognition of his contribution to the celebrations. Abhimanyu wore the golden howdah for six consecutive years.
Cultural grandeur
Other elephants in the contingent included Gopi, Mahendra, Lakshmi, Sugreeva, Chaitra and Srirama. As the elephants moved along the procession route to the loud cheers of the crowds, cultural groups and scenes came one after the other showcasing the cultural diversity and heritage of Karnataka. Artists representing various art forms from across the state and scenes representing different neighborhoods captivated the audience.
This year’s special attractions included scenes from other states, including one from Tamil Nadu featuring the Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram and Jallikattu. Cultural groups from the Northeast and Tibetan settlements in Karnataka also participated.
Sandalwood plays a role in festivities
Another highlight was the participation of a team from the Kannada film industry including V. Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Ganesh, Pooja Gandhi, Shruthi, Sharan, Murali among others. Veteran actor Jaimala led a team of artistes in two open buses to loud cheers from their fans. ”Kiccha” actor Sudeep was also present. Medal-winning athletes from the state joined the procession in another open bus.
Tableaux representing the Indian Army and Navy attracted considerable attention while bands from the defense forces played rousing tunes as the procession moved along the route.
After nearly two hours of cultural pageantry, the most eagerly awaited moment came with the arrival of 54-year-old tusker Prashanth carrying the iconic golden howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. When Prashanth entered the palace courtyard, accompanied by kumki elephants Kaveri and Roopa, a 750 kg flower-decorated howdah was the center of attraction.
After adjourning the Jamboo Savari, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar offers flowers to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari seated in a 750kg gold Howdah carried by tusker Prashanth in Mysuru on Wednesday (October 21). | Photo credit: MA Sriram
CM of Kerala, Telangana
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, joined by his wife Usha Shivakumar, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan left the grand Jamboo Savari with the flag and showered flowers on the idol from an elevated stand.
Among those present were Mysuru MP and scion of the former royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Ministers Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Shivaraj Tangadagi, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy and Police Commissioner Seema Latkar.
The flag off was followed by a 21-gun salute as Prashanth, his Dasara debut as a ”howdah” elephant and accompanying kumki elephants raised their trunks to the delight of the audience.
Foreign delegates were among the specially invited witnesses to the parade this year. The Chief Minister welcomed them.
Prashanth marched majestically amid the loving cheers of the crowds and lifted his trunk as he exited the palace grounds on the procession route. Huge crowds lined the streets, especially around Chamaraja Circle and KR Circle, since morning to catch a glimpse of the golden howdahs and majestic elephants that brought down the curtains for the grand Dasara celebrations.
Published – 21 October 2026 19:15 IST