MYSURU: Mysuru is ready for the grand Jamboo Savari procession on October 21, the culmination of the 11-day Mysuru Dasara celebrations. This year’s procession has a special highlight, with elephant Prashan set to carry the golden howdah, or Ambari, for the first time.
The annual procession is one of the most anticipated events of Karnataka’s state festival, attracting large crowds of residents, tourists and devotees. The city has been preparing to welcome visitors for the Vijayadashami celebrations, with arrangements focusing on crowd management, security and the smooth movement of the procession.
Prashan to carry the golden Ambari for the first time
The key attraction this year is Prashan, who is scheduled to carry the Ambari during the historic procession for the first time. The golden howdah traditionally carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity associated with Mysuru Dasara.
The responsibility of carrying the Ambari is a significant part of the festival’s elephant procession. The decorated elephants, accompanied by traditional music, cultural troupes and tableaux, form the centrepiece of the celebrations and reflect Mysuru’s royal heritage.
Streets and procession route prepared
Preparations have been under way along the Jamboo Savari route, including the installation of pandals and barricades at key points to manage crowds. Barricades have been placed at locations including Chamaraja Circle, K.R. Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road, Ayurveda Hospital Circle, Old RMC Circle, Bamboo Bazar Road, Highway Circle and Nelson Mandela Road.
The arrangements are intended to help control crowd movement and maintain clear passage for the procession. Visitors are advised to follow police instructions and use designated viewing areas wherever applicable.
Security and crowd management arrangements
With large numbers of people expected to attend, authorities have been preparing security and crowd-control measures across the city. Traffic management and access regulation are important parts of the arrangements, particularly near busy junctions and along the procession route.
Visitors should plan their journeys in advance, allow extra time to reach viewing areas and follow official advisories on traffic restrictions and parking. People attending with children or older family members should also identify convenient meeting points and avoid pushing into crowded areas.
Jamboo Savari marks the culmination of Dasara
The Jamboo Savari is the grand finale of Mysuru Dasara, a festival celebrated through religious rituals, cultural programmes and public events. The procession traditionally begins at Mysuru Palace and proceeds towards Bannimantap, featuring decorated elephants, folk performances, bands and elaborate tableaux.
According to the official Dasara programme, the floral tribute to Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah is scheduled for 4.10 pm to 4.35 pm on October 21, after which the procession is expected to leave the palace.
As Mysuru prepares for the celebrations, the first Ambari appearance by Prashan adds a notable feature to this year’s procession. Authorities have urged visitors to cooperate with officials and follow safety instructions to help ensure the event proceeds smoothly.