Dasara celebrations end with a colourful procession in Shivamogga

Elephant, Sagar, carrying the howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari during Jamboo Savari procession in Shivamogga.
| Photo Credit:
S.K. Dinesh

The procession began at Shivappa Nayaka Palace premises after offering prayers to Nandi Dhwaja

A colourful and vibrant Jamboo Savari, a procession of howdah on an elephant, marked the culmination of Dasara celebrations in Shivamogga on Thursday. Hundreds of people witnessed the procession in the city.

The procession began at Shivappa Nayaka Palace premises after offering prayers to Nandi Dhwaja. The howdah was placed on the elephant, Sagar, on the temple premises.

Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa, MLA for Shivamogga S.N. Channabasappa, and others offered flowers to the idol.

The day began with preparing the elephants – Sagar, Bahaddur, and Balanna – for the procession. Jeevan, an artist, exhibited his skills on the elephants and made them attractive. The elephants were brought from Sakrebailu elephant camp for the procession.

Sagar carried the howdah for the sixth time. He has been participating in Shivamogga Dasara celebrations for the last 15 years. The mahouts placed the howdah that weighed around 450 kg, along with an idol of Chamundeshwari.

The procession was colourful as it included tableaux and artists. A group of tiger dancers were special attraction.

The people who stood along the procession took pictures as the dancers exhibited their skills. Besides them, there were a few folk troupes, including performers of Veeragaase and Keelu Kudure. Interestingly, the idols of deities from Shivamogga and villages on the city outskirts also took part in the procession.

The procession concluded at Allama Prabhu Park, after covering prominent streets including Gandhi Bazar, B.H. Road, A.A. Circle, Nehru Road, and Durgigudi Road. The rituals at the park was witnessed by a lage gathering. Elected representatives, including Lok Sabha member B.Y. Raghavendra and senior officials also attended.

The police made security arrangements for the smooth procession. Shivamogga City Corporation, in association with other departments and various organisations, conducted various activities in the last days. The activities included competitions for the public, theatre performances, music, film festival, street plays, seminars to engage different sections of society.