It is that part of the year again, when the evening crowd is at its feet, busy shopping for the upcoming festival. The posters hang around evey arcade, attracting the buyers with large discounts, mega-bonanzas, bargains and other exciting offers. The newspapers aren't spared too, for they are less of news but more of advertisements and business promos. Bangalore Times, a popular supplement of Times of India, contains 4 additional sheets of such promos, with players like Big Bazaar, Brand Factory and e-Zone filling the most of it. My nearest market at Jayanagar 4th Block, which happens to be an ultimate shopping destination for most of the South Bangaloreans, is all illumination along its corridors. Ganesh Chaturthi concluded recently, but the buzz was replaced by a month-long preparation for our Nada Habba Dasara. Karnataka is in its colourful elements, with the state romping in its characteristic grandeur.
Mysore. The Royal City of Karnataka has been the capital of several dynasties from as early as 1400. Known for its overwhelming heritage, a sight of Mysore during Dasara can actually cure you of sore eyes. The Navaratri glory begins on Mahalaya Amavasya, and runs in full splendour for the coming 9 days. With the Royal Family of Mysore inaugurating the festivals by performing special puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari, a host of cultural activities are arranged to mark the tradition of Dasara, which celebrates and commemorates the triumph of truth over evil. Programs like Wrestling Competition, Sports, Poet's Meet, Film Festival and Food Festival are attended by large number of people.
The Gombe Habba, a festival in which several dolls are arranged for display and good wishes being shared, is definitely worth a watch. The Mysore Palace, which was once owned by Wodeyar rulers, is being converted into a museum, which treasures royal costumes, paintings and jewellery. One wouldn't miss the sight of the jewel-studded throne of the Wodeyars kept at display at the Durbar Hall. The doors, decorated with taste, open to luxurious rooms which displays several paintings and royal craftwork. As many as eight portraits of Goddess Shakthi and an original painting from famed painter Raja Ravi Verma are displayed.
Vijaydashmi is the tenth day of the festival, which is also the day of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and learning, known to bestow wisdom to worshippers. The auspicious day is also known Ayudha Puja, on which the workers must worship their tools. This day in Mysore, the celebrations reach their peak with a glorious procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari through the city streets. Starting from The Palace, the procession concludes at the Banni Mantap. In the past however, the 'Jumbo Savari' used to carry the Maharaja through the streets but this practice was modified recently. The procession is followed by the torch-light parade and a splendid display of fireworks which dazzle the night sky.
The Dasara festival at Mysore certainly reflects the culture and tradition of Karnataka. Every day in Mysore during the festival is fantastic, given the rich heritage of our state.
