By M.T. Yogesh Kumar

In a magnificent display of tradition and heritage, the Nada Habba Dasara Mahotsava promises to rekindle the splendour of bygone eras with this year’s Jumboo Savari procession. Leading the way will be 14 caparisoned elephants, with the star attraction being the Golden Howdah-carrying Abhimanyu. Over 200 individuals, elegantly attired in royal garments, will proudly bear various symbolic royal insignias and objects.

This year’s celebration holds special significance as it pays homage to the rich traditions and grandeur of royalty. For the first time, the procession will feature a group adorned in regal attire, accompanied by the elephant team and the Police band, creating a mesmerising spectacle. The group of 200 men will carry diverse insignias, enhancing the overall splendour.

Diligent preparations have been made to preserve and revive these symbols and traditions, each holding deep-rooted historical significance dating back to the Mysore kings’ era.

Soldiers bore emblematic insignias

Historically, in Jumboo Savari processions of the past, soldiers bore these emblematic insignias, some of which can still be viewed within the Palace today. This year, these emblematic representations will be proudly showcased during the procession, rekindling the grandeur of the past.

The traditional attire and intricate creation of insignias are meticulously executed, aiming to encapsulate the essence of the royal era and the historical importance of these traditions. The soldiers of yore included the Red Lancers, White Lancers, Green Lancers and Grill Mace.

During the reign of the kings, in the Ambari processions of yore, soldiers carried various insignias, some of which weighed between 20 to 30 kilograms, meticulously crafted from five different metals. These symbolic representations will be displayed as they will in the grand parade on Oct. 24, featuring miniature models of symbols like the sun, fish, Varaha, Trishul, lion, Garuda, Maruti and moon.

Faded into obscurity

Over time, the traditional insignias faded into obscurity due to infrequent use. However, a vigorous effort is currently underway to rejuvenate these historical symbols, ensuring they shine brilliantly during this year’s procession.

These extensive preparations aim to evoke the grandeur of the royal era, successfully resurrecting these time-honoured traditions and symbols. As a testament to their commitment, preparations for this grand revival have been meticulous and swift.

In an earnest endeavour to maintain the traditional and royal grandeur of the Dasara festival, the smaller insignias will be carried in the same pattern as the larger ones, echoing the traditions of the royal era.

New attire for mahouts, kavadis

This year, the mahouts will sport new dresses with headgear. The Forest Department has provided the red-colour dresses with the royal Gandabherunda insignias featuring prominently on the front. The red dress will stand out as the mahouts are seated atop the elephants. The kavadis will sport black dresses with a cap and they will walk alongside the elephants.