Pramoda Devi Expresses ‘Deep Disappointment’ Over Dasara 2026’s Conduct; he suggests shifting the procession of Ambari deity to Rathotsava day

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar suggests that the procession of the deity ‘Ambari’ should take place on Rathotsava day at an appropriate time in the evening, from Mysuru Palace to Bannimantap. | Photo credit: File Photo

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar Photo Credit: File Photo

“Every year I try to make things easier and extend full cooperation to everyone involved, but they seem to take us for granted, which disappoints me.”Pramoda Devi Wadiyar A member of the former royal family of Mysuru

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the former royal family of Mysuru urged the government to organize the procession of Sri Chamundeshwari Ammanavaru on Ambari on the day of Rathotsava atop Chamundi Hills instead of on Vijayadashami, citing repeated failure of coordination and interference in the family religious ritual of Damasara.

In a lengthy press statement issued on Sunday, she expressed deep disappointment over the conduct of Dasara 2026, saying the lack of coordination between government departments and police personnel had inconvenienced the royal family and its representatives and disrupted the usual rituals.

She proposed that the government continue with cultural programs during the first seven days of Dasara, but keep the palace premises free of government activities on Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami, allowing the royal family to conduct their rituals as they see fit without outside interference.

She suggested that the procession of the deity ‘Ambari’ should be held on Rathotsava day at an appropriate time in the evening, from Mysuru Palace to Bannimantap.

Ms. Pramoda Devi said the recurring incidents made her reconsider the decision to conduct the procession of the deity on Vijayadashami as it overlapped with the royal family’s rituals. Describing religious ceremonies as an important part of the Navaratri festivities, she said that the government’s Dasara has no meaning or religious significance and therefore urged the government to consider rescheduling the procession and ensure smooth running of the ‘Nada Habba’.

Asking for public support, she said the proposal aims to protect the family’s religious ceremonies while allowing the government to hold cultural events without interference.

Ms. Pramoda Devi also expressed concern over recurring disputes between the Jetty community, which conducts the traditional Vajramushti Kalaga on Vijayadashami, and police personnel. She said one group of wrestlers entered the palace premises this year while another failed to get in, leading to confusion. She alleged that police personnel at a particular gate refused entry to the wrestlers.

Clarifying reports that the Vajramushti Kalaga was interrupted for the first time in history, she called the claim factually incorrect. The event was not held on certain occasions in the 1970s and 1980s, and was also suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also claimed that there were security lapses around Golden Ambari and alleged that police officers and their family members gathered near it for selfies and photographs. Unauthorized persons from various ministries entered the restricted area while its representatives with valid service cards were allegedly manhandled by police personnel and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), which she said was totally unacceptable. “They must know that Ambari is private property and does not belong to the state,” she explained. Ambari was made available at the request of the police commissioner, who pledged to prevent any harm to Ambari, she said.

The royal family’s private car park was also occupied by police vehicles, while barricades created obstacles to the performance of religious rituals, she claimed.

Another concern was the delay in notifying the family about the elephant destined to carry the Golden Ambari this year. Ms. Pramoda Devi said that for the first time in 45 years, the family was not informed in advance and had to approach the Deputy Conservator of Forests five days before the event to find out which elephant had been selected.

“Every year I try to facilitate things and extend full cooperation to all concerned but they seem to take us for granted which disappoints me,” she said and urged the government to consider her suggestions in the interest of all concerned and shift the procession to Rathotsava day with grandeur befitting Nada Devathe.

It may be noted that the concluding Dasara procession witnessed a controversy with several ministers being stopped by the police from entering the procession area.

Published – 25 Oct 2026 21:10 IST