As Dasara celebrations came to a close in Mysuru on Tuesday in all its traditional grandeur, all eyes were on the caparisoned elephants led by Arjuna in the Vijayadashmi procession.
The elephants, many of whom have participated in the festivities more than a dozen times, seemed to anticipate their role and conducted themselves with aplomb and drew the loudest cheer as they set off from the Mysuru palace. Veteran Balarama carried the royal insignia and led the first batch of elephants behind him, each attired in glittering finery and the cultural troupes and tableaux followed them. The single file march of the caparisoned elephants when they emerged out of the Jayarama Gate at Palace North sent the huge crowd waiting at the Town Hall and Chamaraja Circle into raptures and they gave them a standing ovation.
Following Balarama were Abhimanyu, Dhananjaya, Durgaparameshwari, Gopalswamy, Gopi, and Vikrama. Arjuna, who formed the rear of the procession and carried the 750-kg golden ambari or the howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, was flanked by Cauvery and Vijaya. The authorities, however, decided against the participation of Jayaprakash, Eshwara and Lakshmi at the last minute and rested them.
The first batch of elephants led by Balarama covered the 5-km distance in 90 minutes time while Arjuna set out from the palace at 4.15 p.m. and reached Bannimantap grounds at 6.15 p.m.
Karnataka Mysuru 08/10/2019 Folk artist interacting with the crowd during the Jamboo Savari Dasara Procession) in Mysuru on occasion of Dasara Celebrations . Photo M A Sriram
Speculations on Arjuna’s retirement
There are speculations that the ‘Ambari Aane’ Arjuna may have carried the 750-kg golden howdah for the last time when he marched from the palace to Bannimantap on Tuesday.
He will turn 60 in April next year and as per the High Court ruling, elephants above 60 years need not be used for carrying heavy weights or be subjected to gruelling task.
However, veterinarian Nagaraj, who has been tending to the elephants since 20 years, said a decision will be taken by the senior officials sometime next year. He said Arjuna was fit and completed the 5-km march within two hours and showed no signs of fatigue. “Besides, the 750-kg is relatively light weight for an elephant his size and strength, and he is capable of carrying the howdah for another five years. But, the final decision would be taken ahead of Dasara next year,” he added.
Karnataka Mysuru 08/10/2019 Tableau during during the Jamboo Savari Dasara Procession) in Mysuru on occasion of Dasara Celebrations . Photo M A Sriram
Prime focus on Centre’s programmes
Laiqh A. Khan
Mysuru
The “air strike” carried out by India against Pakistan earlier this year and “Fit India”, a nation-wide movement launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, were among the central government programmes figuring in the tableaux accompanying the Dasara procession in Mysuru on Tuesday.
The other central government programmes displayed included “Beti Bachao Beti Padao” by Gadag district, which highlighted the need to counter gender discrimination and female foeticide, health scheme Ayushman Bharat by Kalaburgi district, besides ISRO’s Chandrayaan 2 by Bengaluru urban district.
Also, the background commentary on the Mysuru palace premises at the time of the procession by BJP leader G. Madhusudhan was replete with praises for Mr. Modi’s achievements and appealled to the gathering to extend support to the B.S. Yediyurappa government.
Karnataka Mysuru 08/10/2019 Torch light parade at Bannimantap grounds in Mysuru on Tuesday during Vijya Dashami. Photo. Photo M A .Sriram . Photo M A Sriram
The occasional use of Hindi by Mr. Madhusudhan also drew flak from Kannada enthusiasts. Pro-Kannada activist Thayoor Vittalmurthy, who was present on the palace premises, expressed his ire over the Hindi commentary and told reporters that he would take up the matter with the authorities.
Veteran journalist Gouri Satya, who is also author of books such as Mysuru memories - The old city of Mysuru , said developmental programmes of the Centre like family planning had been included in the tableaux of Dasara procession earlier. “But, never had they been used for propaganda purposes,” he said. Traditionally, the tableaux highlighted the region’s history, culture, music, folk art, and mythological stories.
Mr. Satya also recalled that the practice of taking out tableaux was introduced only after the State government took over the celebration of Dasara festival.
“During the time of the Maharajas, the Dasara procession did not feature a tableaux. The procession comprised military, horses, camels etc,” added.
Karnataka Mysuru 08/10/2019 Colorful crackers Bannimantap grounds on Tuesday as part of Vijayadashami concludes. Photo M A Sriram
