Mysore's grand Dassehra celebrations

The grand Dasshera celebrations at Mysore were witnessed by lakhs of people from across the world. The ten-day colourful festival passed off peacefully with heavy security presence, in the wake of various threats to the event.

The final day's festivities commenced with Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa offering prayers to the 18-foot long Nandikambha at the Western Gate of the Mysore palace.

Text: Vicky Nanjappa

Later the CM accompanied by the scion of the Mysore royal family, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar offered flowers to Goddess Chamundeshwari placed inside the golden howdah carried by the caparisoned elephant Balarama, to mark the beginning of the Vijaya Dashmi procession.

A 21-gun salute was given and the palace band played the national anthem at the end of the event. Huge crowds gathered at Mysore palace grounds cheered on as the majestic Balrama flanked by two other elephants, Mary and Sarala carried the howdah in procession.

This is a rare distinction of Balarama who has been carrying the golden howdah for the 11th year in succession.

The Dassehra celebrations included 101 different contigents which included 42 tableaux, various folk dancers, drummers, armed police, mounted police and a police band among others.

Dassehra is the most popular festival in Mysore, which celebrates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura.