Suggests holding Ambari procession on Rathotsava Day instead of Vijayadashami Day to keep Mysore Palace free for Royal rituals and avoid overlapping celebrations

Pramoda Devi pens 3-page press statement pointing out:

• Lack of co-ordination between Govt. Depts.
• Police high-handedness
• Being kept in the dark about which elephant will carry Ambari, a first in 45 years

Mysuru: Member of the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, in a 3-page press statement, has urged the State Government to hold the Sri Chamundeshwari Ammanavaru procession (Dasara procession) on the same day as the Rathotsava atop Chamundi Hill instead of Vijayadashami Day.

The reason she has stated is that having the Dasara procession on Vijayadashami Day, which is the same day the Royal Family has various rituals in the Palace, creates confusion and chaos.

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar began her press statement saying, “This long press statement is an expression of my deep disappointment in the way Dasara 2026 was conducted by the officials of the various Government Departments who lacked basic coordination between them.”

In the lengthy press statement, she suggested, “keeping in mind public sentiments…   I suggest that the Government conduct cultural activities from day one to day seven of Navaratri, as is being done. The Palace premises should be kept free for Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami so that the family can conduct the rituals at its convenience without any  external interference.”

“The Government can conduct the Sri Chamundeshwari Ammanavaru procession with the Ambari on the day of the Rathotsava at Chamundi Hill. It would also augur well to hold the procession that evening, at a suitable time, from the Palace to Bannimantap,” Pramoda Devi said and added, “I seek public support for my suggestions and hope the Government  will consider them.”

Police attitude and interference

Stating that “the attitude of Police personnel needs to be addressed with proper instructions from their superiors”, Pramoda Devi explained that she was shocked to witness Police personnel and their family members breaching security around Golden Ambari and taking selfies.

She also noted that Police personnel deputed at a particular gate had refused to let wrestlers in, which led to the cancellation of the iconic Vajramushti Kalaga (wrestling bout).

She further noted that the Palace Staff, who were on Ambari duty with valid passes were manhandled and shoved around by Police personnel, which was unacceptable. To add to this confusion, she said the Police were parking their vehicles meant for the Royal family, inconveniencing their movement during rituals, as mindless barricading caused unnecessary hurdles during religious rituals.

It seems this repeated interference and confusion created by the Government officials happens because the Dasara procession is held on the same day as the Palace rituals and that is why Pramoda Devi Wadiyar has suggested that the Dasara procession be held on Rathotsava Day, which is four days after the Palace rituals are held.

Referring to Court orders, she stated: “The High Court of Karnataka has categorically stated in its order that we are at liberty to approach the High Court if there is any obstruction to the performance of pujas and other customary rituals in the Palace. However, I have refrained from doing so year after year.”

Ambari elephant choice kept in the dark

Pramoda Devi also expressed displeasure over the selection of the elephant to carry the Golden Howdah.

“For the first time in the last 45 years, we were kept in the dark about which elephant was going to carry the Ambari. We were not informed until the last minute and I had to take it up with the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) five days before the event to find out which elephant had been designated to carry the Ambari. This also created an enormous amount of stress for no reason,” she said.

“Every year, I go out of my way to make things easier and extend full co-operation to all concerned, but they seem to take us for granted, which has left me disappointed. I hope the Government will consider and value my suggestions, keeping everybody’s interests in mind and shift the procession to Rathotsava Day with all the grandeur befitting the Nada Devathe,” she said.