Veeragase Folk Dance

Veeragase is a popular folk dance prevalent in the state of Karnataka, India. It is a vigorous dance based on Hindu mythology and involves very intense energy-sapping dance movements. Veeragase is one of the dances demonstrated in the Dasara procession held in Mysore. Veeragase gets its name from the Hindu legendary warrior and its a symbolic presentation of his heroism and valour at the time of Dakshayagna.

According to Hindu mythology Veerabhadra was a super being created by the wrath of Rudra (Lord Shiva) to destroy Daksha. Daksha was the chief of gods, his youngest daughter Sati (aka Dakshayani) set her heart on Shiva, worshipping him in secret. At the time of Swayamvara (was a practice in ancient India where a girl of marriageable age can choose a life partner from among a list of suitors. Swayam in Sanskrit means self and vara means choice or desire.)of Sati, Daksha invited all gods and celestial beings except Shiva. Sati cast her garland in the air, calling upon Shiva to receive the garland and miraculously he stood in midst of the court with the garland around his neck. Daksha had no choice but to get his daughter married to Shiva even though he was much against this marriage and he bore enmity with Shiva

Chilli Bajjis

My last post was very sweet ;o), so thought of posting something spicy. Above is a photo of one of the many bajji stalls in mysore exhibition during Dasara. Chillis decorating the stall will eventually be used to make  yummy bajjis.

Bajji is a famous fried snack in India, it is made by taking one or two ingredients such as Onion, Potato, Chilli, or ocasionally bread and dipping them in a batter of gram flour and then deep-frying them. 

Closer look at the chillis

Mysore Palace

Wondering how the palace looks in color? Click here (and scroll down a bit to see the night shots)

Mysore - Part 5 (Final)

Also check Mysore Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4

Continued.....

District Commissioners Office which is about 2 min walk away from Mysore University

Krishna Raja Govt Hospital

From another angle

Sri Jayadeva Murugharajendra Pathology Laboratories which is in the same campus of K.R. Hospital

K.R. Hospital Out Patient Wing

Government College of Ayurveda

Govt Library which is right opposite Ayurveda College

Finally this long post has come to an end, Hope you all enjoyed your trip to Mysore :)

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Mysore - Part 4

You can also read Mysore Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

Continued........

Lets go on a fun ride around Mysore and see how the other Heritage buildings and streets are decorated for Dasara, I almost forgot to show you the lightings don one Chamundi Hill to welcome Tourists... It Reads "Suswagatha" which means Welcome, it can me seen even before you enter Mysore.

Now lets come out of the Mysore Palace from the West Gate, and go in the direction same as the vehicles (This place is called KR Circle, One of  the busiest place in Mysore)

After a 3 min ride you will end up here, here's another beautiful statue of Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodayar

lets have a closer look

If you look in the same direction as the Statue is looking your view will be this, by now you would've noticed lights where ever we travelled, most of the buildings and almost all the streets will be decorated with lights.

Most of the Heritage Buildings have been converted into School's, College, Govt Office's, Hospital etc... lets have a look at some of them

Mysore City Corporation Office, Located behind the Main palace 

Jaganmohn Palace which is now a Art Gallery, it is also located behind main palace at a walking distance of about 1000 mts. from the Corporation office. It was built in 1861 to celebrate the marriage of his daughter, the princess of  Mysore. The main door of this Museum is it self a master piece of Art with intricate carvings. The original oil paintings of Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore on display here are on many mythological themes. The painting of lady holding the lamp of the Indian Artist S.G.Heldnker is another Master piece. A good collection of clocks is  also on display here. 

Government primary school located behind Jaganmohan palace

Maharaja Boy's College

Maharani Girls Science College

Mysore University

to be Continued........

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Mysore - Part 2

You can see part one here

Continued....

Colors of Dasara

This year (2009) Navarathri started on 19th september and the Dasara will be celebrated on 28th of september. As usual cultural programmes were organised, rain was a spoil sport and the programmes did not go as planned. 

Here are some of the photos which was taken on the first day of Navarathri, I was lucky enough to sneak in along with the press :) It was amazing to get a first person view of the event or it would be that they would broadcast the programme on huge screen set up outside the palace for the crowd to see... 

Artists posing for the Press before the act 

Folk Dance called Karadi Kunitha (Bear Dance)

Another folk dance, I'm not sure what its called... they tell a story of warriors who fight demons and restore peace..

This guy was kind enough to pose for me after the programme upon my request...

Jumbos of the Dasara Jumbu Savari:

Dasara celebration begins with the of the “Gajapayana” during the mid of August, is the ceremonial journey taken by the  elephants to take part in the Dasara procession.

The procession begins with the tribal and folk dances by the local artists Earlier, during the time of the Mysore Dasara, the kings, accompanied by the "Pattada Aane" would visit the forest and perform pooja to all the pachyderms  that would participate in the celebrations. Then, the jumbos would walk to Mysore Palace. 

These days the forest department transport the elephants in trucks, from Nagarhole to Mysore. A traditional welcome is given to the elephants once they arrive at the main entrance of Amba Vilas Palace in Mysore.

Elephants returning from their daily mock processions during the Navarathri. Mock Procession is held everyday so that the jumbo's get used to the busy streets of Mysore

I managed to gather some information about the elephants used in Mysore Dasara. A team of  6 elephants march to the palace city of Mysore.

Balarama: The magnificent leader, he is the one carrying the Golden Howdah.  He has been leading for the past 9 years and has participated in the Dasara for 14years. He was captured in 1987 in the Katti pura forest area,  now stays in Mathigodu elephant camp.

Abhimanyu:The mascot who pulls the “Anegadi” the elephant cart, has been participation from the past 10 years. He is from the Hebballa forest, Kodagu district, now stays in Murkal elephant camp.

Vijaya: She has been in Dasara for 5 years, was captured in 1963, from the Dubare forest area, Madikeri division.

Gajendra: He belongs to the Kattepura forest area. Captured in 1987, presently living in Nagarahole has been in Dasara for 12 years.

Arjuna: He has been in the Dasara for 7 years and has once shouldered the burden of carrying the Golden Howdah, is from the Hebballa forest area of Kodagu in 1969.

Sarala: Our oldest elephant, she has been participating in Dasara from the past 4 years. She is from Kakanakote in 1977 forest, now residing in Sunkadakatte elephant camp.

There is also another contingent of 6 elephants which will join this group during the first week of September.

Mysore Palace :

Click on the image to enlarge

To be Continued... 

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Mysore - Part 1

This is going to be a long post with loads of Pictures so I have split it into few series. Click on any image to enlarge

Mysore, city of palace's, Cultural Capital of State of Karnataka also happens to be my home tome, this is where i was born and brought up so this place holds a special place in my heart :)

History : 

Before the rise of the Gangas in the 10th century there is little historical evidence relating to Mysore. The Gangas established their supremacy in the 2nd century and they ruled over a large part of Mysore till about 1004 AD. There is an inscription on Chamundi Hills that was done in 950AD during the reign of the Gangas. This inscription is the oldest inscription found in Mysore. 

The Cholas ruled Mysore for over a century after the Gangas. The Chalukyas followed the Cholas and then came the Hoysalas in the 12th century. Hoysala are known for the beautiful temples they built during their reign. It is said that they built or expanded the existing temples in Mysore and on the Chamundi Hills. 

After the Hoysalas came the Vijayanagar Kings and then the Mysore Yadu dynasty came to power in 1399A.D. This dynasty also contributed to temple building in Mysore. Bettada Chamaraja Wodeyar, the raja of Mysore rebuilt the fort of Mysore and made his headquarters and called the city 'Mahishura Nagara' meaning the city of Mahishur. 

Its during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III the town of Mysore expanded and moved beyond the walls of the fort. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV developed Mysore into a beautiful city with excellent planning. Under his reign Mysore became famous for its wide roads, magnificent building and elegant parks. Today Mysore is a modern city that has managed to retain its old world charm. Today Mysore in famous in the world for its sandalwood and rosewood artifacts, stone sculptures, incense sticks, inlay work with ivory and not to forget its exquisite silk sarees.

Mysore Palace

The word Mysore is a corrupted version of "mysooru", which is derived from the word "mahishur" or "Mahishasurana Ooru", which means the town of Mahishasura in Kannada which is the local language. 

According to Hindu mythology a demon named Mahishasura, earned the favor of Lord Shiva after a long and hard penance. Lord Shiva, impressed with his devotion, blessed him that no man or deity would be able to kill him and that only a woman can kill him. 

Gigantic statue of Mahishasura on top of Chamundi Hill (very famous landmark of Mysore)

Mahishasur was very pleased with this boon as he thought that a woman can never defeat him. Arrogant Mahishasura started his reign of terror over the Universe and people were killed mercilessly. He even attacked the abode of the gods and conquered the heavens and became their leader. 

When his cruelty became unbearable, Chamundeshwari (Durga) was called to slay the demon. Chamundeshwari and killed the monster on top of the Chamundi hill near Mysore. Hence the hill and the city have the names Chamundi Hill and Mysore respectively. The fight between Chamundeshwari and Mahishasura lasted for nine days and nights. These nine days came to be called Navaratri or Dasara. 

Chamundeshwari Temple on top of the hill which dates back to 11th Century (period of the Hoysala's)

Dasara:

Dasara is the most extravagant festival of Mysore. This festival has been celebrated in Mysore with great pomp and show since centuries and the Dasara festivities have become an integral part of the culture and life in Mysore. 

During the 10 day festivities the normally clam, slow, peaceful city erupts into life and every street and street corner is bustling with activity. House, shops and important buildings in the city are decorated and illuminated for the period of the celebrations. 

Today Dasara in Mysore has become the state festival of Karnataka. As part of the celebrations renowned musicians of Karnataka and from outside perform in front of the Palace. The State Government arranges music, dance, and folk dance performances, doll shows. Wrestling and sports competitions are also held. 

The ninth day is also the day of the Ayudha Puja. After the slaying of Mahishasura and other demons by Chamundeswari, there was no more use for her weapons. So the weapons were kept aside and worshipped. This Ayudha puja is being celebrated since ancient times. The Ayudha Puja is a worship of whatever implements one may use in one's livelihood. On the preceding evening, it is traditional to place these implements on an altar to the Divine. 

The high point of the Dasra celebrations is the Vijayadashami procession held on the tenth day. The main attraction of the procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari kept in the golden howdah on top of a decorated elephant. The procession begins at the Mysore Palace and ends at the Banni Mantapa grounds, traveling a distance of about 2.5 miles. The procession is followed by a breath taking torch light parade in the evening and a stunning display of fireworks.

To be Continued....... 

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