The entire nation's attention turns to the charming city of Mysore as it prepares for the grandest gala of the year, the Dasara festival. Celebrating the ten day festival of Navaratri, Dasara in Mysore is a tradition that has been followed over a rich past of 400 years! the festival sees the otherwise calm city wake up to much fervour and rigorous preparations. Starting on the 25th of September and continuing till the 4th of October, Dasara is a festival that is best witnessed in person. Starting today the inauguration of the festival event calendar is followed by cultural programs that take place at various venues in the city including the Mysore Palace.
The following nine days will see a variety of activities ranging from competitions to food melas and cultural extravaganzas. The 4th of October will see the much awaited Mysore Dasara Procession and Torch Light Parade. Here is a visual tour of the city gearing up for the ten days of festival glory! Mysore Dasara 2014 preparations include the beautiful royal elephants that are indeed a great sight to behold!
Cleaning Up
The elephants are given a bath before they are prepared for the procession.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
On the Move
Post the bath the mahout leads the elephant to its other kins.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Walking Along the Streets
The elephants walks the streets under the watchful eyes of security personnels.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Empty Roads
The roads are cleared before hand in order to ensure the elephants are not agitated by heavy crowds.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Twists and Turns
The road is filled with bends and the elephants are properly guided by the mahouts.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
The Sounding of Cannons
A cannon being readied to shoot in order to signal the arrival of the elephants.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
The Cannon Fires
The elephants can be observed standing calmly as the cannons are fired in a drill for the main event.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Rituals in Order
Prayers performed with the royal elephants.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Salute of the Tuskers
The elephants offer their salutes after the prayers.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Elephant Glory
The royal elephants play a vital role in the Mysore Dasara festivities and their well-being is of utmost importance.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Announcements Begin
The announcements take place from a heavily decorated mini-van.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Music and Entertainment
The festivities are incomplete without some music and entertainment.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Reaching The Mysore palace
The elephants arrive at the Mysore Palace on the day of the parade practise.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
In All Grandeur
The elephants are decked for the procession.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Officials Meeting the Elephants
The government officials take time out to meet the gentle giants.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Flower Shower
Onlookers adding to the gaiety by throwing flower petals.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Cultural Extravaganza
The cultural programs and competitions are set to begin.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
Setting Stage
All officials getting set for the showdown!
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
The Procession
The practise session for the procession in all finery.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore
The Blowing of Trumpets
So are you all set to witness this grand event in person! Head to Mysore anytime between 25th September to 4th October to be a part of this cultural extravaganza.
Photo Courtesy: Information and Public relations, Mysore