State’s heritage and traditions come alive in Dasara procession

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s tableau showcased Shakti scheme, during the Dasara procession in Mysuru on Thursday.
| Photo Credit:
M.A. Sriram

An awe-inspiring cultural pageantry marked the grand Dasara finale on the occasion of Vijayadashami procession in Mysuru on Thursday, drawing thousands to the palace precincts and the Raja Marga to witness the State’s culture, art, and heritage on display.

This year, the procession featured 59 tableaux and over 100 cultural and folk troupes, with artists drawn from every district in the State to showcase the State’s cultural diversity.

Along with representations from the Dasara tableaux committee, various government departments, boards, corporations, and institutions, the districts showcased their history, culture, and legacy in their displays, bringing the total number of participants in Jamboo Savari procession to 132.

As the procession unfolded, with the grand entry of caparisoned elephants, the air vibrated with the beats of drums and other traditional instruments with folk troupes amusing the audience with their performances.

Folk troupes including Veeragase, Dollu Kunita, Jhanz Pathak, Somana Kunita, Jaggalagi Mela, Donne Varase, Kangilu Kunita, Sattige Kunita, Halage Mela, Halakki Suggi Mela, Puja Kunita, Karadi Majalu, Hejje Mela, Tamate Nagari and others captivated the spectators.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s tableau on Shakti guarantee scheme, highlighting free bus travel for women, benefitting over 500 crore women, was the first tableau to hit the procession. It was followed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s tableau showcasing its strengths in aerospace. The Bharat Earth Movers Limited showcased Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, while Indian Railways displayed engineering marvels including the Chenab bridge and Pamban bridge. Mysuru City Corporation presented a tableau on ‘Healthy and Sustainable Mysuru,’ and the Department of Information and Publicity highlighted the achievements of the guarantee schemes of the State government in its tableau.

Several districts drew praise with their unique contributions highlighting diverse cultures and heritage. If Dharwad featured Garag’s well-known cradle-making and Navalgund Jamkhanas, Uttara Kannada paid tribute to Queen Chennabhairadevi, the ‘Spice Queen’.

Bagalkot showcased Kudalasangama, Koppal highlighted Kinhal art, Shivamogga portrayed the magnificence of Kedareshwara Temple and other ancient monuments, and Ballari district promoted tourism with ‘See Sandur in September.’

Udupi highlighted its ‘Clean Udupi’ initiative, while Tumakuru displayed its blend of ancient and modern sculpture and Kodagu showcased its trekking destinations. Mysuru district showcased Badanavalu handloom weaving tradition, whereas Bengaluru Urban projected its vision as ‘Brand Bengaluru.’

Hassan district featured Gomateshwara and coffee cultivation, while Bidar’s tableau on fort drew attention. The Tourism Department showcased the Anjanadri Hills of Koppal, and the Mysuru-based All India Institute for Speech and Hearing spread awareness on learning disabilities with its presentation.

This year, the procession featured more tableaux than last year, with efforts by participants to create eye-catching displays, following guidelines issued by the tableaux committee to ensure quality.