The ancient town of Srirangapatana came alive with a magnificent burst of music and dance as its annual Dasara celebrations officially commenced with a spectacular grand procession on Thursday.
This particular Dasara holds immense historical importance. It was here, in 1610 CE, that Raja Wadiyar first inaugurated the Dasara festivities upon ascending the throne, carrying forward the rich traditions of the Vijayanagara empire. Following the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799 and the defeat of Tipu Sultan, the Wadiyars were reinstated in the princely State of Mysore, subsequently moving their capital to the present-day city of Mysuru. Consequently, Srirangapatana’s celebration serves as a cherished prelude to the globally renowned Mysuru Dasara, which continues until October 2.
The centerpiece of the inaugural day was undeniably the vibrant procession that gracefully paraded through the town’s streets. It showcased an impressive display of over 650 artists from approximately 30 diverse cultural troupes. Complementing these performances were thematic tableaus, thoughtfully designed to illustrate the contributions of various government departments such as Horticulture, Agriculture, Forest, Education, and Sericulture.
Throngs of spectators gathered along the old Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, eager to witness this cultural spectacle and experience a genuine snapshot of Karnataka’s incredible diversity. Among the captivating performances were traditional art forms like Nandidhwaja, Nadaswara, Chandemela, Pujakunita, Hulivesha, and Suggikunitha, to name a few.
The air vibrated with the rhythmic pulse of drums and the enchanting melodies of wind instruments, drawing in massive crowds. Folk dancers, adorned in brilliant, colorful costumes, further enhanced the grandeur and splendor of the entire show.
Undoubtedly, the star of the show was the majestic elephant Mahendra, proudly bearing the 200 kg idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari within a colossal 450 kg wooden howdah securely fastened to its back. Flanked by its equally magnificent companions, Cauvery and Lakshmi, these three splendidly caparisoned elephants captivated all as they slowly processed past the cheering crowds, making their way to the grounds next to the revered Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple for the official inauguration and cultural ceremonies.
Adding to the grandeur, the procession also featured beautifully adorned horses and a marching police band, whose tunes echoed throughout the route. Dignitaries including acclaimed filmmaker T.S. Nagabharana, Mandya district in-charge Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, MLA Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda, and Deputy Commissioner Kumar, among others, performed the traditional floral offerings to Goddess Chamundeshwari, officially signaling the start of the procession. Minister Cheluvarayaswamy emphasized the significance of the occasion as a moment to honor and remember Srirangapatana’s profound history.
Prior to the procession, sacred rituals were meticulously performed under the expert guidance of priest Banuprakash Sharma. He eloquently elucidated the deep spiritual meaning of Navaratri and the devotion offered to Goddess Durga and Chamundeshwari. Furthermore, he highlighted the vital role of the Cauvery River and announced the upcoming Cauvery Aarati at Krishnaraja Sagar, set to take place from September 26 to October 2.