Mysuru: District In-charge Minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah has rejected several concerns raised by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar over the conduct of Mysuru Dasara 2026, stating that the Mysuru Palace and its surrounding premises belong to the government.
Responding to a letter written by the member of the erstwhile royal family, Yathindra said the government had provided space for the royal family’s residence and was responsible for the arrangements associated with the state-organised festival.
Speaking to media persons in Mysuru on Monday, the minister said the Palace Board was a government body and that the government paid for the use of the Golden Howdah, or Ambari, during the Dasara procession.
Minister questions direct appeal to the media
Yathindra said Pramoda Devi could have brought her concerns directly to the government, pointing out that officials had been in regular contact with her.
“If there were any issues, she could have brought them directly to the government’s notice, as we were in continuous touch with her. Issuing a statement directly to the media, without addressing the government, is not appropriate,” he said.
The minister added that government officials could be sent to meet her and discuss the issues she had raised, if necessary.
His remarks came after Pramoda Devi expressed concerns about the arrangements and traditions associated with this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations. Her letter had raised questions about coordination, security arrangements and the handling of certain traditional rituals during the festival.
Government rejects proposal to shorten Dasara
The minister firmly rejected Pramoda Devi’s suggestion that the Dasara celebrations be restricted to seven days.
Yathindra said the state-organised Nada Habba had a rich history and that the government’s celebrations could not be dismissed on the grounds raised in her letter.
“We cannot agree to her suggestion of celebrating Dasara for just seven days. Her statement questioning the government’s Dasara is also incorrect, as Nada Habba organised by the state has its own rich history,” he asserted.
Mysuru Dasara is one of Karnataka’s major cultural festivals, with celebrations organised by the state government alongside religious ceremonies and traditions associated with the royal family.
The annual festivities culminate in the Jamboo Savari, during which the golden howdah carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is taken through the city in a grand procession.
Yathindra explains selection of howdah elephant
Addressing concerns over the selection of the elephant chosen to carry the Golden Howdah during the Jamboo Savari, Yathindra said there was no legal requirement for the government to inform Pramoda Devi about the choice.
He explained that the decision had been delayed because officials were evaluating elephants, including Mahendra, Dhananjaya and Prashantha, before finalising the selection.
“There is no legal requirement to inform her about which elephant carries the golden howdah in the Jamboo Savarai. The final decision was delayed due to internal evaluations among jumbos like Mahendra, Dhananjaya, and Prashantha. The choice was finalised at the last moment,” he said.
The selection of the howdah elephant is a key aspect of the procession, which attracts large crowds of residents and visitors every year.
Probe into Jetti Kalaga cancellation
The minister also addressed the controversy surrounding the cancellation of Jetti Kalaga, the traditional wrestling event associated with Mysuru Dasara.
Yathindra said there were conflicting accounts of the circumstances that led to the event not being held, with differences between the version presented in Pramoda Devi’s letter and the police account.
According to the minister, the police had stated that they had no objection despite the wrestlers arriving late. The government was examining where the lapse had occurred, he added.
“The police have stated that they had no objection despite the late arrival of the wrestlers. We are verifying where the lapse occurred and investigating the matter,” Yathindra said.
The issue has added to the debate over the coordination of traditional events during this year’s Dasara celebrations.
The minister’s response indicates that the government intends to stand by its approach to organising Nada Habba while examining specific complaints relating to the arrangements and the cancellation of Jetti Kalaga.