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Royal procession for Dussehra festival in Mysore

     Mysore: People in Mysore today took out a colourful procession to celebrate the Hindu festival of Dussehra. Dussehra was celebrated on Friday in most parts of the country according to the Hindu calendar. However, the royal Mysore Dussehra, unique for its procession of folk dancers and caparisoned elephants, is keenly awaited. Hundreds and thousands of people gathered in the city to watch the world famous Jumbo Savari (Elephant Procession) as part of Vijaya-dashmi, grand finale to the nine-day Navratri festival. Dussehra is the state festival of Karnataka and has a history of many centuries. The jumbo Savari along with march of tableaux depicting the state's tradition and culture goes all along the five kilometer route. The procession, observed in the style of the erstwhile Maharajas since centuries, winds its way through the city's streets and ends at the local king's palace. The king continues to be the customary chief guest at the celebrations though the royal privileges were withdrawn in 1970. The Mysore Dussehra is also a favourite with the foreign tourists. "Dussehra is very good festival. I like the elephants. They are really good. Very good colours. I would like to come back next year," said Stephon, a tourist from Britain.
-Oct 23, 2004