Friday marked a captivating journey through time in Mysuru, as the city hosted its much-anticipated Dasara Heritage Walk. This special event offered participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and admire its exquisite architectural treasures.
Organized jointly by the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, and the Department of Tourism, the walk was met with an enthusiastic response from the public, underscoring its widespread appeal.
A diverse group of 380 individuals, predominantly students from various institutions like JSS Women’s College, Mysore School of Architecture, Mahajana’s College, Teresian College, and Maharaja’s College, joined the exploration.
While the Heritage Walk is a regular feature throughout the year, the festive atmosphere of the Dasara celebrations added an extra layer of excitement, attracting hundreds of eager participants just a day after a successful heritage cycle ride.
The walk officially began at the Town Hall, where it was flagged off by Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Shaikh Tanvir Asif. Guiding the participants were expert resource persons: N.S. Rangaraju, former professor of Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Mysore, and Shalva Pille Iyengar, head of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology at Karnataka State Open University.
During the walk, the knowledgeable guides emphasized not only the importance of civic duties over rights but also the critical need to preserve Mysuru’s invaluable heritage and traditional structures.
Attendees received fascinating insights into the diverse architectural styles of various buildings, their historical context, and the eras in which they were constructed. A key takeaway was the shared responsibility of preserving Mysuru’s many heritage structures, most of which date back to the 1880s.
The scenic route commenced at the Town Hall and wound its way past iconic landmarks including the Dodda Gadiyara (Silver Jubilee Clock Tower), Free Masons Club, Chamaraja Wadiyar Circle, the magnificent Amba Vilas Palace, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Circle, Chikka Gadiyara (Dufferin Clock Tower), Devaraja Market Road, KR Hospital, Government Ayurveda College, Chamarajendra Technical Institute, Cauvery Emporium, and Gandhi Square, before circling back to the Town Hall for a well-deserved breakfast.
Participants proudly displayed placards carrying powerful messages such as ‘ancient monuments are history’s textbooks,’ ‘smuggling of artworks is an act of treason,’ and ‘ancient monuments are the wealth of the land — do not disfigure them,’ highlighting the significance of cultural preservation.
Prominent officials including A. Devaraju, Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, and C.N. Manjula, Deputy Director, were also present to support the event.
Looking ahead, the authorities have planned another unique event for Saturday: a heritage tonga ride specifically for married couples adorned in traditional attire, promising a slightly different, extended route.