Mysuru: The countdown has begun for Jamboo Savari, the grand finale of Mysuru Dasara celebrations, which will be held on Wednesday on the occasion of Vijayadashami. The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the iconic procession, which will start at Mysuru Palace and conclude at Bannimantap, covering a distance of around five kilometres.

The procession, one of the most prominent events of Karnataka’s cultural calendar, will feature Goddess Chamundeshwari seated in the golden howdah atop an elephant, accompanied by folk troupes, colourful tableaux and traditional performances representing the state’s cultural heritage.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will inaugurate the procession by performing puja to the Nandi Dhwaja at the Balarama Gate of Mysuru Palace during the auspicious period between 1.36 pm and 1.56 pm.

Chief Minister to offer prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari

The main religious ceremony will take place within the palace premises between 4.10 pm and 4.35 pm, when the Chief Minister will offer floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari, seated in the golden howdah, also known as the ambari.

The procession will mark the culmination of the 2026 Dasara festivities, bringing together religious observances, royal traditions and public celebrations.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Mysuru-Kodagu MP and member of the erstwhile royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, and district in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah will participate in the celebrations.

Jamboo Savari is traditionally the centrepiece of Mysuru Dasara, drawing visitors from across Karnataka and other parts of the country. The procession reflects the city’s historical association with the Wadiyar royal family and its enduring traditions of worshipping Goddess Chamundeshwari during the festival.

Elephant Prashantha to carry golden howdah for first time

One of the major highlights of this year’s Jamboo Savari will be elephant Prashantha carrying the 750-kg golden howdah for the first time.

Abhimanyu, who traditionally carried the howdah in the procession, has been relieved of the responsibility after turning 60, in accordance with a Supreme Court order.

The golden howdah, carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, is the focal point of the procession. The elephant chosen for the responsibility undergoes preparation and training ahead of the annual event.

Prashantha’s role in this year’s procession marks a significant change in the arrangements for the ceremonial journey. The participation of trained elephants remains one of the most distinctive features of Mysuru Dasara, alongside the traditional music, decorations and accompanying cultural performances.

Folk performances and tableaux to showcase Karnataka

The procession will feature folk troupes from across Karnataka, along with tableaux representing districts and government departments. These displays will showcase the state’s traditions, cultural heritage, regional diversity and government initiatives.

This year, tableaux from only 15 districts have been permitted to participate. Floats representing the Indian Air Force, Army and Navy are also expected to be among the additional attractions.

The tableaux and folk performances form an important part of Jamboo Savari, transforming the procession into a moving display of Karnataka’s cultural and artistic traditions. They provide an opportunity for districts and institutions to present their distinctive identities, achievements and contributions to the state.

The procession route from Mysuru Palace to Bannimantap is expected to attract large crowds, with visitors gathering along the route to witness the decorated elephants, traditional performances and ceremonial displays.

Entry to palace restricted to ticket holders

The district administration has restricted entry into the Mysuru Palace premises for witnessing Jamboo Savari to people holding valid tickets, passes or gold cards.

The arrangements are intended to regulate access to the palace during the main ceremonies, which are expected to draw large numbers of visitors.

Those attending the procession are advised to follow the instructions issued by the authorities and adhere to the access restrictions in place for the event.

With the procession and associated celebrations attracting significant public interest, crowd management remains an important aspect of the administration’s preparations.

Torchlight parade and drone show at Bannimantap

The festivities will continue in the evening at Bannimantap, where the traditional torchlight parade and a drone show are scheduled for 7.30 pm.

Newly appointed Governor Sudha Yadav will receive the guard of honour during the programme. Chief Minister Shivakumar and other ministers will also participate in the event, while MLA Tanveer Sait will preside over the function.

The torchlight parade, popularly associated with the grand finale of Mysuru Dasara, is a long-standing feature of the celebrations. The addition of a drone show offers a contemporary attraction alongside the traditional military-style displays and ceremonial proceedings.

The evening programme will bring the day’s celebrations to a close, complementing the religious and cultural significance of the Jamboo Savari procession.

Yaduveer continues royal traditions

Earlier on Wednesday, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar continued the royal family’s Dasara traditions by holding the private durbar, known as Khasagi Durbar, and taking out the Vijaya Yatre at around 10 am.

He also performed puja to the Banni tree within the palace premises.

These rituals form part of the royal observances associated with Vijayadashami and reflect the historical traditions maintained by the Wadiyar family during Mysuru Dasara.

The private durbar and Vijaya Yatre remain distinct from the public Jamboo Savari procession, preserving ceremonial practices associated with the former royal household.

Vajramushti Kalaga faces delay

The traditional Vajramushti Kalaga, a wrestling bout between jattis, or traditional wrestlers, is another notable feature associated with Mysuru Dasara.

However, the event was reportedly delayed due to various reasons. Further details regarding the delay were not available in the information provided.

Vajramushti Kalaga is a distinctive traditional contest that adds to the range of cultural and sporting practices associated with the festival.

Mysuru prepares for grand Vijayadashami finale

With the Jamboo Savari procession, royal rituals, folk performances, tableaux and evening celebrations, Vijayadashami marks the culmination of Mysuru’s annual Dasara festivities.

The procession continues to symbolise the city’s cultural identity, bringing together religious devotion, historical traditions and contemporary displays. This year’s participation of elephant Prashantha in carrying the golden howdah adds another significant development to the event.

As the procession moves from Mysuru Palace towards Bannimantap, the celebrations will once again place the city at the centre of Karnataka’s Vijayadashami observances.