Mysuru: The world-famous Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari concluded successfully on Wednesday, marking the grand finale of the historic annual festivities with a significant milestone. Elephant Captain Prashantha carried the 750-kg golden howdah bearing Goddess Chamundeshwari for the first time, adding a new chapter to the royal city’s celebrated Dasara tradition.
Although Prashantha had been participating in Mysuru Dasara celebrations for the past 18 years, this was his maiden appearance as the principal howdah-bearing elephant. With a majestic gait and remarkable composure, he led the grand procession, drawing the attention of thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the culmination of the festival.
Prashantha’s debut as the bearer of the golden howdah emerged as the defining moment of this year’s Jamboo Savari, one of Karnataka’s most prominent cultural and religious events.
Prashantha joins the legacy of golden howdah bearers
The responsibility of carrying the golden howdah is among the most significant honours for an elephant participating in Mysuru Dasara. The howdah carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru, through the streets during the grand procession.
Prashantha’s selection for the role marked a milestone in his participation in the annual celebrations. Having been part of Dasara for 18 years, his first appearance as the principal howdah bearer added special significance to this year’s event.
Following Jayamarthanda, Prashantha became the 13th elephant in the history of Mysuru Dasara to carry the golden howdah, according to the information provided.
The role demands composure, training and the ability to remain steady amid large crowds, ceremonial music and the movement of the procession. Prashantha’s performance ensured that the central ceremonial attraction proceeded smoothly.
The golden howdah, weighing approximately 750 kg, remains one of the most recognisable symbols of Mysuru Dasara. Its presence connects the contemporary celebrations with the city’s royal traditions and longstanding devotion to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Ceremonies begin with Nandi Dhwaja puja
The ceremonial proceedings began within the Mysuru Palace premises with the Nandi Dhwaja puja. This was followed by the floral offering, or pushparchane, to Goddess Chamundeshwari at the auspicious Meena Lagna.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar performed the floral offering to the deity for the first time in his capacity as chief minister, making the occasion notable for the state’s political leadership as well as for the religious ceremonies.
The rituals formed the traditional prelude to the Jamboo Savari, which brings together religious observances, royal heritage and public celebration.
The ceremonies at the palace set the stage for the procession, with dignitaries and officials witnessing the proceedings before the grand finale unfolded.
Dignitaries witness the grand finale
Several prominent personalities attended the ceremonial proceedings at the Mysuru Palace.
Those present included Usha, wife of Chief Minister D K Shivakumar; Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh; royal family member and MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar; district in-charge minister Yathindra; Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi; Deputy Commissioner Lakshmikantha Reddy; and City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar.
Their presence reflected the significance of the Jamboo Savari as a major event on Karnataka’s cultural calendar.
The procession is the culmination of the multi-day Dasara celebrations, which bring together religious ceremonies, cultural programmes and traditions associated with the former Mysuru royal kingdom.
The successful conduct of the event also underscored the coordination required to stage a large public procession involving ceremonial elephants, religious rituals, officials and spectators.
Kerala and Telangana chief ministers attend Jamboo Savari
This year’s celebrations received additional attention with the participation of the chief ministers of Kerala and Telangana, who attended the Jamboo Savari for the first time.
Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy witnessed the grandeur of the iconic procession alongside state officials and other dignitaries.
Their presence added a special dimension to the celebrations and highlighted the wider interest in Mysuru Dasara beyond Karnataka.
The Jamboo Savari offers visitors an opportunity to experience the city’s royal heritage, religious traditions and cultural splendour. The participation of leaders from neighbouring states further emphasised its importance as a major cultural event.
Jamboo Savari concludes a celebrated Dasara
Mysuru Dasara is among Karnataka’s best-known annual festivals, with the Jamboo Savari serving as its most prominent public spectacle. The procession brings together centuries-old traditions and contemporary celebrations, centred on the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
This year’s successful conclusion was marked by Prashantha’s historic first outing as the bearer of the golden howdah. His selection after 18 years of participation added a memorable moment to the festival’s long history.
With the ceremonial pujas completed and the procession concluding smoothly, Mysuru Dasara once again showcased the city’s distinctive blend of devotion, royal heritage and cultural celebration.