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Thousands witness Mysore Dasara procession
by Kestur G Vasuki

     Mysore (Karnataka): Hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life witnessed the spectacular and world-famous Mysore Dasara procession, which came as a grand finale to the 10- day festivities on Thursday. Karnataka's Chief Minister, Dharam Singh, inaugurated the function by offering prayers to the flower-bedecked idol of the Goddess Chamundeswari, which was placed on a 750 kg golden howdah. Carrying the howdah, the richly canopied male elephant `Balarama', flanked on either side by female elephants `Kokila' and `Kavita', walked majestically to the specially erected rostrum in front of the Mysore Palace, where the chief minister showered flowers on the deity. The 750 kg golden howdah was the cynosure of all eyes during the procession. The howdah used to carry the Maharaja of Mysore during the Vijaydashami processions till 1969. In 1970, an idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysore, replaced the Maharaja. The procession with cultural troops and folk artists across the state performing throughout added glitter to the historical Mysore Dasara. Many foreign tourists as usual came to see the visual treat. Some of them happened to be regular visitors and others hoped to bring their family members next time. "I saw the palace and very impressed. It was very special and unique. This time I came with my son, next time I will bring my whole family," said another tourist from, Germany. The 22 tableaux in the procession depicted the cultural variety and heritage of Karnataka. Excited visitors didn't missed the chance to capture this grand procession on thier handycams. "I enjoyed very much. I wanted to take some photographs by myself. Yesterday evening the palace was illuminated, it was a very nice view" said a tourist from Germany. The famous procession which marked the grand finale of the 10th day Dasara brought Mysore in to the world tourism map.
-Oct 14, 2005