Mysore Dasara–2013 culminated on a colourful note with an impressive display of the State’s cultural diversity by the tableaux and cultural troupes that were part of the grand finale — Jamboo Savari — here on Monday.
A huge crowd at Amba Vilas Palace and also on the 4-km long procession route — from the Statue Circle to Bannimantap — witnessed the display of interesting tableaux and performance by a variety of cultural troupes hailing from different parts of the State.
Braving the scorching afternoon heat, tens of thousands of people, including children, elderly citizens and foreign tourists, waited for hours to watch the Vijayadashami procession which was flagged off around 1.45 pm by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Colourful images unfolded thereafter as people of all ages watched the proceedings with great enthusiasm and admiration and captured the rich cultural diversity of the land in their cameras.
Like the previous year, the Dasara organisers gave the participating districts (zilla panchayats) different themes for the tableaux and accordingly they were showcased.
This year, there were 42 tableaux (last year 32 tableaux took part) and 80 cultural troupes in the procession. The procession turned out to be one of the biggest in recent years with a total of 122 exhibits.
The tableaux showcased the ancient kingdoms; the legends of Kannada literature; tourist destinations; science and technology; places of historical importance; regional specialties and others subjects.
The tableau from Bellary portraying the reign of the Vijayanagar empire with some monuments and idols of the famous Hampi was the first to hit the procession, receiving loud cheers from the crowd.
This was followed by a tableau from Mysore showcasing the rule of Mysore Wadiyars. A replica of Jagan Mohan Palace; the King’s Durbar and Goddess Chamundeshwari killing demon Mahishasura were depicted in it. Bangalore founder Kempe Gowda’s rule (by Bangalore Urban) and the durbar of Ibrahim Adil Shah by Bijapur were other interesting exhibits.
“Sangya Balya Bailata” of Jnanpith Award winner Chandrashekar Kambar from Belgaum was another impressive tableau. “Poets of Dharwad” by Dharwad; “Masti Kannada Aasthi” by Kolar; the “Works of Jnanpith awardees” by Shimoga; “Kadala Theerada Bhargava” Shivaram Karanth by Udupi drew appreciation.
Chamarajnagar, Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Uttara Kannada districts displayed their tourist strengths in their tableaux. Malai Mahadeshwara Hills and Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta of Chamarajanagar; the hill stations of Chikmagalur; famous shrines of Dakshina Kannada; the waterfalls and natural beauty of Kodagu; the caves of Yana in Uttara Kannada were interestingly depicted by the artistes in the tableaux.
The tableau titled — Dudiyuva Kaigalinda Bareyuva Kaigalu — from Davangere depicted the transformation of the district from the textile town to an education hub.
Tableaux depicting power generation through wind by Chitradurga; the Hutti gold mines by Raichur; Guha Narasimha Temple by Bidar; the history of Melkote by Mandya and Anegundi Kote Gaganamahal by Koppal were the other highlights.
Bangalore Rural district presented a tableau on the silk. Gadag, Haveri, Tumkur, Yadgir, Gulbarga and Chickballapur also displayed their tableaux.
The impressive performances of the folk artistes caught the eye. The culture and tradition of the land was reflected in the cultural troupes. With colourful costumes and long hair flowing down to their shoulders, Veeragase artistes captivated the crowds, while they danced to the tune of traditional instruments.
Gorudi Gombe, Chittimela, Kolata, Puja Kunita, Tamate Vadana and Somana Kunita were among the cultural troupes that performed in the procession. The performances of Hagaluvesha, Jhanj Pathak, Hulivesha, Goravara Kunita and Dollu Kunita also drew attention.
This year, troupes from States like Kerala and Manipur took part. A 35-member troupe of Brahmakumaris from St. Petersburg, Russia, who performed in Dasara this year, captured the attention with their participation.
