Imagine exploring Mysuru’s magnificent monuments from the comfort of an iconic Shah Pasand carriage! That’s exactly what the Heritage Tonga Ride offered on Saturday as part of the grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
This unique event, a collaboration between the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage and the Department of Tourism, invited couples adorned in beautiful traditional attire to experience a seamless blend of cultural exploration and historical immersion.
Twenty-five couples eagerly participated, embracing the opportunity not only to raise awareness about heritage conservation but also to celebrate and popularize traditional Indian wear.
The choice of horse-drawn carriages for this special ride was deeply symbolic. Mysuru was once famed for its elegant tongas, which graced its streets until the 1970s before gradually being replaced by modern vehicles.
Today, only a handful of these charming carriages remain, making this ride a poignant reminder of a precious piece of Mysuru’s heritage on the brink of fading away, underscoring the urgent need for its preservation.
The journey began at the historic Town Hall, one of Mysuru’s most regal and ancient structures. Renowned Kannada film actor and director Prakash Thuminad had the honor of flagging off the ride, with his wife also joining in the festivities.
Couples from across the district embraced the theme wholeheartedly. Men proudly donned the traditional Mysuru peta, panche, and shalya, while women shimmered in silk sarees, delicately adorned with Mysuru Mallige – the region’s famous jasmine, recognized with a Geographical Indication tag.
The attire showcased a vibrant tapestry of regional diversity, with participants also presenting styles from North Karnataka, Kodagu, and other rich cultural traditions.
During the inauguration, Mr. Prakash Thuminad lauded Mysuru Dasara as a globally recognized festival. He emphasized that the tonga ride serves not just to highlight local heritage but also to inspire younger generations to actively participate in conservation efforts.
He further expressed his hope that traditional attire, often reserved for special occasions or temple visits, would see a resurgence in everyday wear.
The enchanting heritage route wound through several of the city’s celebrated landmarks, including the majestic Silver Jubilee Clock Tower, the iconic Amba Vilas Palace, K.R. Circle, the historic Lansdowne Building, Jaganmohan Palace, and continued past the Mysuru City Corporation, Maharaja’s Sanskrit College, CADA office, Gun House Circle, and Jayachamara Circle, culminating back at the Town Hall.
Distinguished guests present included A. Devaraju, Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage; Deputy Director C.N. Manjula; and esteemed heritage experts N.S. Rangaraju and Shalva Pille Iyengar, among others.