Mysore, the capital of the erstwhile Mysore State,
teems with the memories of a glorious past. Once ruled by the royal
Wodeyar family, Mysore is a city of wide roads, lovely suburbs,
laid-back extensions, sprawling gardens, and of course, palaces.
The Mysore Palace -- built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets,
arches, and colonnades -- is a treasure trove of works of art from
across the world. The Dasara Festival, celebrated every October with
great pomp and pageantry, revisits the splendour of the past and
attracts visitors from all over the world. Processions, parades, and
music create a riot of colour and excitement. Crowds jostle to catch a
glimpse of the illuminated palace.
On the ninth and the last day of the festival, a colourful procession of
soldiers in ceremonial attire -- Cavalry, infantry, caparisoned
elephants, prancing horses, and colourful tableaux -- wend their way
from the palace gates to Bannimantap Stadium, where a torchlight parade
and magnificent displays of horsemanship and fireworks mark the grand
finale.
