Mysuru is decking up for the annual 10-day Dasara festival, which will begin on 3 October.
Published Sep 25, 2024 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 25, 2024 | 8:00 AM
The Darbar Hall in the Mysuru (Amba Vilas) Palace. (Shashank Mehendale/Creative Commons)
The Dasara festivities in Mysuru are among India’s most iconic cultural events, celebrated with grandeur, tradition, and reverence.
The Royal Darbar, held in the Mysuru Palace, is at the heart of this spectacle. This tradition harks back to the times of the Wadiyar dynasty, bringing alive the rich heritage of Karnataka.
Mysuru is now all set to host the 10-day festival from 3 October.
The Mysuru Dasara Darbar is a symbolic event honouring centuries-old traditions dating back to the Vijayanagara era. Hosted within the royal Mysuru Palace, this 10-day spectacle showcases the grandeur and deeply rooted customs of the Wadiyar dynasty.
Historically, it was a grand royal assembly where the Maharaja would preside over his court, receiving dignitaries, nobles, and citizens. While the political significance of this event has waned with the dissolution of princely states in India, the symbolic importance remains intact.
Today, the Darbar is an elegant commemoration of the royal lineage and its cultural influence over Karnataka.
Now, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar continues to honour the legacy of his ancestors by performing the duties of the Maharaja during the Darbar.
Dr Shalva Pille Iyengar, Chairman of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology at Karnataka State Open University in Mysuru provided insights into the rich traditions of the 10-day symbolic Darbar held during Dasara.
Here’s a glimpse into the ceremonial proceedings that take place during this unique event:
The palace staff meticulously follows tradition, which includes selecting auspicious dates and times (muhurta) based on astrology. The event begins after ‘Bhadrapada Chaturthi’ and ‘Gowri Habba’, ensuring that all obstacles are cleared with Lord Ganesha’s blessings.
The first day of Dasara begins with a ‘Ganapati Puja’, signifying the start of the celebrations.
A unique feature is that a family from a local village, traditionally responsible for preparing the Dasara festivities, arrives at the palace during the auspicious time. Their tasks include everything except setting up the throne, which remains the responsibility of the Maharani.
The Dasara festivities commence with a ‘Simhasana Puja’ (worship of the throne), which is integral to the Darbar. Simhasana translates to ‘lion’s pose’, symbolising power and authority.
Before the throne assumes its royal status as a Simhasana, it is simply referred to as an ‘Asana’ (seat). Only after the symbolic joining of two golden lions by the Maharani does it become the Simhasana. This transformation marks the moment when the throne becomes ready to hold the king, representing dharma (law), jnana (knowledge), vairagya (detachment), and aishwarya (wealth). These virtues are considered the pillars of kingship.
The throne itself is a masterpiece, made of gold and intricately carved with images of Hindu deities, exuding regal splendour. The golden throne, which plays a central role in the Darbar, is an embodiment of the Wadiyars’ royal power.
The throne is installed in the grand hall of the Mysuru Palace, adorned with precious jewels, carvings of deities, and fine craftsmanship that mirrors the architectural and artistic brilliance of the Wadiyars’ rule.
On the first day of Dasara, the royal family takes part in ‘Yenemajana’—a traditional oil bath with turmeric, followed by prayers at ‘Chamundi Tothi’, the palace’s prayer area. The rituals conducted by palace priests include the ‘Ganapati prayers’, ‘navagraha puja’, and ‘punya puja’, which purify and bless the Maharaja and Maharani.
After these preparations, the royal family dons their regal attire. Every element of the Darbar exudes tradition and royal pageantry. The Maharaja, in full regalia, wears a silk robe and a turban adorned with a jewel-studded crest. He holds a ceremonial sword as a symbol of the kingdom’s martial heritage. Surrounding him are royal attendants, palace staff, and select dignitaries, adding to the atmosphere of regal grandeur.
The Darbar’s participants, known as ‘Darbari’, follow a strict dress code. They are royal relatives who wear long white coats, adorned with the iconic ‘Mysore Peta’ (royal turban), and the attire’s measurements are meticulously followed.
Bodyguards or ‘angarakshaka’ carry royal insignias, such as the ‘Gandabherunda’ (the two-headed mythical bird symbolising strength), royal umbrella, and the ‘Chamra Chatra’ (symbolic umbrellas).
The Darbar is held in the opulent ‘Darbar Hall’ of the Mysuru Palace. Musicians welcome the Maharaja as he enters through a silver door, accompanied by the palace staff dressed in traditional uniforms.
Once the throne is ascended, the Maharaja, standing on the steps of the Simhasana, receives a salute from the Mysore Police Band, which plays the state anthem, ‘Kayo Shri Gowri’.
Priests from various temples, including the Chamundi Hill Temple and Parakala Mutt, offer holy water and prasada (blessed food) to the Maharaja. In return, the Maharaja offers ‘kanike’ (a symbolic offering) to the priests, historically given as gold coins but now replaced with money.
Over the next nine days, a symbolic Darbar is held, replicating the formal gatherings of yore where state affairs were once discussed, though now it remains largely ceremonial.
The Darbar is a showcase of royal continuity, connecting the present to a time-honored tradition. While no state affairs are discussed today, the event preserves the symbolic essence of kingship.
The Maharaja’s duties reflect the importance of dharma, ensuring that righteousness prevails. The Simhasana itself serves as a reminder of the qualities required of a ruler—detachment from greed, wisdom, and the ability to wield wealth with responsibility.
Though much of the pomp and authority that once defined this event has transformed over the years, the Darbar still holds immense cultural and historical significance. It serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connection between the Wadiyars and the people of Mysuru.
What makes the Dasara Darbar truly unique is how it merges royal tradition with public celebration. Though the Darbar itself is a private affair, the grand Mysuru Dasara procession that follows is open to the public, drawing thousands of visitors and tourists from across the world.
The procession features an array of decorated elephants, horses, and camels, with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari leading the way, symbolising her protection over the city.
“The public participation in Dasara reflects the deep relationship the Wadiyars have fostered with their people,” Dr Iyengar told South First. “It is not just a royal celebration but a communal one, where people from all walks of life can partake in the festivities.”
In a world where traditions are rapidly evolving, the Mysuru Darbar reminds us of the timeless beauty of continuity and the importance of honoring one’s heritage.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
