Mysuru Dasara Images HD -- Grand Royal Jamboo Savari Procession

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There is no Dasara celebration anywhere on earth quite like the Mysuru (Mysore) Dasara -- the royal procession that has continued for over 400 years and draws millions of visitors to Karnataka each autumn. This magnificent HD image captures the heart of the Jamboo Savari (elephant procession) in all its golden grandeur: a supremely caparisoned elephant moving in stately progress with the golden howdah (ambari) on its back, within which rides the jeweled idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari -- the presiding deity of the Chamundi Hills that overlook Mysuru and a form of the great Goddess Durga. The elephant itself is decorated with extraordinary care: gold caparison (saddlecloth) covering its back, painted forehead with sacred designs, a jeweled headpiece and anklets that glitter with every step. Behind the procession, the Mysore Palace is transformed into a spectacle of light -- over 100,000 bulbs illuminate its Indo-Saracenic architecture in blazing golden glory against the night sky, creating one of the most photographed architectural illuminations in the world. Marching bands, traditional folk dancers, caparisoned horses, and further elephants follow the Ambari elephant in the grand procession down the illuminated streets of the royal city. The tradition of Mysuru Dasara dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire (14th-16th centuries CE) and was continued by the Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore. Even today the procession is led by the former royal family, and the entire city participates in ten days of cultural performances before the final Jamboo Savari. Declared a "Rajyotsava" (state festival) of Karnataka, it draws 5-7 million visitors annually. Free HD download.

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