Amid rains and pomp, 406th Mysuru Dasara festival ends

Karnataka's famous Dasara procession began, as per tradition, at the gates of the Mysuru royal palace and continued till the Bannimantap - formerly the site of a 'Banni' tree, but now a parade ground.  The procession has followed this route for some two centuries now.

As usual, several programs were organised throughout the procession and at the Bannimantap ground.

The rains, always a possibility at this time of the year, came down in sheets for much the parade, soaking viewers and parade participants. Though the torrential downpour dampened clothes, spirits seemed high.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, who has often claimed to be not too fond of religion, visited Suttur Math, situated at the bottom of Chamundi Hill. From there, he proceeded to the Palace and actively participated in all programs. This is the fourth time that Siddaramaiah inaugurated Dasara.

The Jamboo Savari (elephant parade), the highlight of the procession, started at 4:10 pm. Arjuna, the lead elephant, carried the 750 kilo howdah for the fifth time. Lakhs of people, including foreign tourists, witnessed the 'ambary' marching towards the Bannimantap from both sides of the street.

Around 42 attractive folk dances, pictures and tableaus representing many cultural facets of Karnataka marched in the parade.    

In the evening Governor Vajubhai Vala inaugurated the torch ceremony.

• dasara
• mysuru
• siddaramaiah