Mysureans uphold Dasara traditions even during uncertain times
In the early 1970s, following the abolition of the privy purse in 1971, the then Maharaja of Mysuru, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, decided not to ride on elephant back during the Dasara procession. It was then that the state govt formed a committee of writers and thinkers to decide on the celebration. For one year, the celebration wasn't held.
Until 1971, the lead elephant carried the Maharaja of Mysuru along with his heir on elephant back, in the procession from Mysuru Palace to Banni Mantap grounds.
The Golden Ambari (Howdah) has two seats, and since the beginning of the procession, both the Maharaja and the heir travelled on elephant back, as part of the celebration.
The govt committee finalised to palce the idol of Chamundeshwari on the Howdah, and since then, it was rechristened as 'Naada Habba' (State festival), explained Rangaraju, a retired professor of ancient history and archaeology from the University of Mysore.
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Fast forward to 2020, the world faced a different kind of challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dasara celebrations had to be significantly scaled down to adhere to health and safety protocols. The grand procession, a hallmark of the festival, was restricted to the confines of the Mysuru Palace premises.
Even during the pandemic, the spirit of Dasara was kept alive by the locals. They took it upon themselves to illuminate the streets, ensuring that the festival's vibrancy and cultural significance were not lost. This highlighted the community's dedication to preserve their cultural heritage, even in the absence of formal processions. The streets, adorned with lights, became a testament to the people's resilience and commitment to their traditions.
Despite the lack of govt support, people voluntarily lit up streets and shops on all the ten days of the festival, explained NS Rangaraj, historian and former member of Mysuru district heritage committee.
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