Royal Invitation Extended: Pramoda Devi Wadiyar Invited to Grace Dasara 2025 Festivities

In a gesture steeped in tradition and regal charm, Mysuru is gearing up for the majestic Dasara 2025 celebrations, with the formal invitation extended to Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, the esteemed scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family. This ceremonial event underscores the deep cultural roots and historical significance that the Wadiyar dynasty holds in the heart of Karnataka's grandest festival.

The traditional invitation was personally delivered by a delegation of high-ranking district officials, including Mysuru Deputy Commissioner and District In-charge Secretary, K.V.

Rajendra, who, along with Police Commissioner B. Ramesh and Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Ashaad-Ur-Rahman Shariff, visited the iconic Mysuru Palace. The officials presented the invitation to Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, wife of the late Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, marking a crucial preliminary step in the elaborate preparations for Dasara.

This visit, more than just a formality, is a revered ritual that bridges the past and the present.

It symbolizes the continuity of a centuries-old tradition where the royal family's participation is integral to the spiritual and cultural fabric of the festival. The invitation specifically requests her esteemed presence and involvement in both the Private Durbar (Khas Durbar) — a sacred ritual conducted within the palace walls — and the globally renowned Jumboo Savari, the magnificent elephant procession that captivates millions on Vijayadashami.

Dasara, a spectacular 10-day festival, is scheduled to commence on October 3, 2024, culminating in the auspicious Vijayadashami on October 12.

While the government-organized Dasara festivities unfold across the city, the Private Durbar held at the Mysuru Palace under the aegis of the Palace Board, retains its unique aura and historical importance, offering a glimpse into the royal customs that once defined the kingdom.

As the dates draw closer, the State government is poised to convene a high-level committee meeting.

This gathering will bring together key stakeholders and officials to meticulously plan and coordinate every aspect of the festival, ensuring a seamless and grand celebration that lives up to Mysuru's reputation as the "Cultural Capital" of Karnataka. The invitation to Pramoda Devi Wadiyar serves as a beautiful prelude to what promises to be another unforgettable Dasara, blending public celebration with profound royal heritage.