Mysore/Mysuru: Today, many previously slow-moving Dasara preparations gained momentum. These included the assembly of the Golden Throne inside the Durbar Hall, the mounting of the wooden Ambari Weight on the Howdah Elephant Abhimanyu, the launch of the Dasara, and the announcement of the dates and performers for cultural events.
While the assembly of the Golden Throne was closed to the public and the media as has been the custom for many years, other inaugurations were very bustling with activities coordinated by Mysuru District Minister S.T. Somashekar and a large number of elected officials.
On the grounds of Mysore Palace, over 300 people—including elephant handlers, mahouts, kavadis, assistants, staff and officials from the Forest Department, media, and the supporters of ministers, MLAs, and heads of boards and corporations—had a wonderful meal. The Mysore Palace Board provided the idli, vada, dosa, halwa, and Khara Pongal for dinner.
After serving breakfast himself, Somashekar and the other elected officials ate breakfast and then made their way to the location where Abhimanyu was mounted with the wooden howdah. Abhimanyu carried the howdah with ease and walked for more than 45 minutes while demonstrating that he is still a champion.
The wooden howdah was installed on Abhimanyu for the first time today in preparation for this year’s festivities. The wooden artwork weighs precisely 280 kg, according to clarification provided to the Star of Mysore by Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr V. Karikalan. When painted and polished, there are some slight weight changes, but the actual weight is 280 kg. Sandbags weighing 300 kg were set on top of the tusker to carry the wooden Ambari.
Tula Lagna between 9.25 and 10.15 am was chosen as the time to do pujas because this is a sacred ritual, and a manually-operated crane was used to mount the howdah. No one was allowed in the area and a six-person crew was assigned the duty. To avoid unneeded noise and confusion, the number of persons who could ride the Ambari was limited, and each person may offer his or her suggestions.
The crowds were also instructed not to yell or applaud after Abhimanyu raised and carried the Ambari Weight. Following the successful mounting, Abhimanyu explored the Palace stronghold for around 45 minutes with the help of the kumki elephants Chaitra and Cauvery. Minister Somashekar had earlier blessed Abhimanyu with flower petals.
The crane was positioned close to the chosen location next to the royal family’s home, and Abhimanyu was ordered to salute one side of the building where Pramoda Devi Wadiyar typically observes the Golden Howdah mounting on Vijayadashami day from a window.
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