Durga Puja festivities in Bengal are synonymous to pomp and grandeur.
However, an intriguing piece of information which probably isn’t common knowledge, is that the quiet and serene town of MYSORE in the southern state of Karnataka, shares a strong connect with this important mythological episode of Vedic History.
As per the native folklore, it is here that Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) slayed the wicked buffalo-faced tyrant Mahishasur. Mysore was initially called Mahishuru(later anglicized as Mysore), meaning the place where Mahishasur used to reside.
And this victory of good over evil is the impetuous behind the splendid celebrations. The gigantic statue of Mahishasur can be seen atop Chamundi Hills.
Also called the ‘Naada Habba’ or the ‘State Festival’ – The Dasara (Dusherra) celebrations dates back to the 15th century as per the records of an Italian explorer but the current format of the traditional Dasara celebration that Mysore witnesses in a grand and majestic way every year was inaugurated by Raja Wodeyar I, in the year 1610 AD.
The 10 day long festivities of Dasara commences with a special Puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari by the Royal Wodeyar couple. The rituals and ceremonies are largely a private affair of the royal family, witnessed by a select audience in the Royal Mysore Palace. However, the zeal and splendour of Dasara go beyond the palace walls.
The entire city along with the grand Mysore Palace which is illuminated with 100,000 light bulbs, look splendid on all 10 days. Various cultural and religious programs showcasing the dance, music and culture of the state are performed in front of the illuminated palace. Besides the cultural events, flower shows, doll shows, circus, food festival, wrestling tournaments etc. are also organized at various places across the city.
Navaratri or the nine days of worship and celebration of different forms of Devis is concluded on the 10th day of Dasara known as ‘Vijaya Dashami’. The ninth day of Dasara or the ‘Maha Navami’ is also considered very auspicious and special worship of the royal sword is done.
The finale of the Dasara celebrations is marked by a colourful procession, popularly known as the ‘Jumbo Savari’. The opulence of this event culminates when the Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a Golden Howdah weighing over 750 kg on top of a magnificent elephant. Colourful tableaux created by different state organizations participate in the procession. Musical bands, folk dancers, royal camels, horses and elephants also form part of the procession.
The Dasara festivities come to a crescendo with the ‘Panjina Kavayattu’ or the Torch Light Parade. It is held on a grand note in Bannimantap grounds (where the Jumbo Savari halts, arriving from the royal palace) and exhibits some dare-devil acts and stunts by trained and respected men of Indian Army. Breathtaking laser shows and marvellous fireworks light up the night.
Nonetheless, it is fascinating to analyse how Goddess Durga binds the faiths of the people in their own culturally diverse ways…
