🐘 Jambu Savari — A Jamboree
A Sacred Parade or a Civic Spectacle?
Mysuru Dasara, Karnataka’s grand state festival, culminates with the iconic Jambu Savari on Vijayadashami. Started in the 14th century in the Vijayanagara Empire and passed on to the Wodeyar I in 1610, the festival once featured the Maharaja himself leading the procession atop a golden howdah. Today, that sacred seat belongs to Goddess Chamundeshwari, carried by a decorated elephant, while government dignitaries wave and flag off the procession from the highly perched seats of power.
What began as a solemn royal tradition has evolved into a blend of devotion and public celebration. I had the fantastic opportunity to witness this spectacle in person for the first time — and to preserve the memory, I wanted to piece together this experience through my own lens.
📸 Snapshots of Satire
🐶 The Dog Who Knew Best
While humans elbowed their way through barricades and jostled for a glimpse of the parade, one wise soul — a street dog (let’s name him Tommy from Abdul Kalam Azad Circle) — claimed the center spot with Zen-like calm.
No ticket, no pass, no pushing. Just pure canine confidence. In a crowd full of chaos, the dog had the best seat in the lane and watched the entire Jambu Savari like a royal guest.
Maybe next year, we should all just follow the dog.
🦍 Gorilla vs Lady Cop
Dussehra celebrates Goddess Durga — a divine symbol of feminine power.
A man in a gorilla suit leapt out, startling a female police officer. Her reaction was instant, and one of shock and fear. Behind her, a male cop grinned, clearly entertained.
In a parade meant to honor the goddess, it was the gorilla who stole the spotlight. The moment was funny, yes — but also revealing. Even in celebrations of feminine strength, macho theatrics still get the last laugh.
Maybe next year, the goddess should carry a whistle — and the gorilla should march behind her.
🚛 Broken Promises on Wheels
This year’s Jambu Savari proudly featured a tableau titled “Nudidanthe Nadeda Sarkara” — a slogan that translates to “A government that walks its talk.” The float was a rolling billboard of Karnataka’s guarantee schemes: free electricity, free bus rides, free rice, free everything — except fiscal stability.
As the tableau rolled forward, it sputtered, stalled, and finally broke down mid-procession. The symbolism was too perfect to ignore. A government weighed down by its own promises, unable to move forward. Spectators chuckled, some clapped, and a few muttered, “Well, that’s accurate.”
This tableau became a metaphor for good intentions collapsing under unsustainable expectations. If only budget deficits could be fixed with duct tape and a push from behind.
🧵 Still Khadi, Still Gandhi?
In 2025, India is building semiconductor fabs, launching AI missions, and debating the establishment of moon bases. Yet, the Jambu Savari tableau seemed stuck in a sepia-toned loop. Gandhi and Khadi dominated the visuals — again.
While Gandhiji’s legacy is profound, the lack of innovation was glaring. It felt like a civic syllabus on wheels, curated by a committee afraid to imagine beyond the past.
We’ve moved beyond only Khadi — but the parade hasn’t.
Facts: This year’s Jambu Savari featured 58 tableaux. At least 15 prominently featured Mahatma Gandhi, including tributes to his visits to Karnataka, the promotion of Khadi, and themes related to the freedom movement. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar appeared in at least three tableaux, with themes of equality and social justice.
Their enduring presence reflects deep public respect — but also a reluctance to explore newer narratives.
🐘 The Elephants: Grace in Gold
And then came the elephants. Majestic, poised, and dignified — especially Abhimanyu, the lead elephant carrying the golden howdah with Goddess Chamundeshwari. Adorned in intricate decorations and regal ornaments, Abhimanyu moved with the calm authority of a seasoned royal. Goosebumps rippled across spectators — whether seated in VIP enclosures or jostling behind barricades.
But if Abhimanyu was the star, Bhima was the crowd’s darling. Every few minutes, chants of “Bhima! Bhima!” echoed — and each time, Bhima responded with a majestic lift of his trunk, acknowledging his fans like a true celebrity.
Bhima can be recognised by his cute, chubby, and short tail :)
In a parade full of symbolism, it was the elephants who truly embodied dignity. Their discipline, poise, and quiet strength were a stark contrast to the chaos around them.
🙏 A Cultural Misstep?
One moment left many traditionalists unsettled: Lord Rama, portrayed waving and doing bhangra-style moves. Revered as the embodiment of poise and dignity, Rama commands reverence — not casual cheerleading.
Traditionally, Rama is depicted with serene composure, holding his bow (Kodanda), often accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. His stance is upright, his gaze composed, and his aura regal. These portrayals evoke reverence — not entertainment.
Even Hanuman, often misunderstood due to his monkey form, is far from comic. He represents strength, devotion, and courage. His classical depictions — carrying the Sanjeevani mountain, bowing before Rama, or revealing Rama and Sita in his heart — are purposeful, not playful.
Future organizers should consult subject matter experts before mocking our gods and goddesses.
🚨 Safety First: A Growing Concern
Despite its grandeur, this year’s Jambu Savari raised serious concerns about crowd safety. Barbed wire was even wrapped around trees to prevent them from being climbed. It’s highly foolish to bring small children to such crowded places. There were infants, toddlers, and small, weeping children unable to handle the pushing and jostling of the crowd.
One particularly bewildering moment? Someone brought a pet dog to the parade. While we admire the pup’s cultural curiosity, it likely left with elevated canine stress levels and a newfound fear of drums and elephants.
Cultural celebration should never come at the cost of safety — or pet anxiety.
🌟 My Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
This was my first time seeing the Jambu Savari live — and it truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The crowds, the fatigue, the jostling for space — all of it faded the moment I saw Goddess Chamundeshwari atop the golden ambari.
There’s a divine energy that surrounds that moment, something that transcends the noise and chaos. It’s not just a parade; it’s a living tradition, a spiritual spectacle, and a cultural heartbeat.
If you haven’t seen it yet, I urge you — see it once in your life. No television livestream or drone shot can simulate seeing the procession among thousands and feeling goosebumps as the elephants pass by. It’s worth every bit of effort.
🙏 Special Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to Krishna Tanthri, Aishwarya Suites, Mysore, for providing a comfortable and welcoming place to view the procession. Your hospitality made the experience memorable and enjoyable.
From the perfect vantage point, a great day turned into an unforgettable one.
📸 Photo Credits
- IBTimes India — Jamboo Savari Procession & Torchlight Parade
- Marvel Tours — Mysore Dasara Blog
- Prajavani — Dasara 2025 Jambu Savari Coverage