Foreign tourists soak in Dasara spirit

Four French tourists sat on the premises of the iconic Amba Vilas Palace to witness the cultural diversity unfolding at the Jamboo Savari, which marks the finale of the ten-day Dasara festivities, here on Saturday.

Even as they managed to get seats along with locals and domestic tourists in a sheltered gallery next to the palace, they watched with wonder the two-hour-long extravaganza that concluded with the grand march of majestic tusker Arjuna, which carried the 750-kg golden howdah.

Several international tourists witnessed the Dasara finale.

Glen from Belgium had not heard of the Jamboo Savari until they reached the palace on Saturday morning. “We were not aware of the event. Both of us came to see the palace but the event was a pleasant surprise for us,” he said.

An exclusive viewing gallery was established at the Government Ayurveda College Circle on New Sayyaji Rao Road on the Jamboo Savari route to facilitate foreign tourists to watch the proceedings.

Thanks to the Kalpavruksha Trust, a 2,000-seat gallery was arranged. The commentary was in Spanish and English. Devaraj of the trust told

The Hindu that 1,400 foreign tourists watched the procession.