Dasara celebrations in Mysore Palace cancelled after Pramoda Devi’s mother, sister-in-law pass away
The Dasara celebrations draw thousands of visitors to the streets of Mysuru city in Karnataka. The rituals which take place inside the iconic Mysuru Palace have been cancelled.
Mysuru: The mother of Pramoda Devi Wodeyar and a member of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family passed away on Friday, dampening the marking of the grand finale of the 10-day Dasara festival. In the wake of the demise of Putta Chinnammani, the celebrations for Vijayadashmi, religious and cultural activities in the Amba Villas Palace were cancelled. Later in the day, the family suffered another blow as Vishalakshi Devi, sister-in-law of Pramoda Devi too passed away due to illnesses at the Vikram hospital around 5.30 pm.
"Pramoda Devi's mother died in her sleep at a private hospital from age-related ailments," a palace official said.
"As the royal family members, they are not performing rituals or participating in the Dasara festival within the palace or outside," the official added.
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodiyar, the royal family's adopted scion, was to be the chief guest at the Mysuru Dasara victory parade. However, he did not participate in the event along with his wife Trishikha Devi and other family members.
The traditional Dasara procession (locally known as Jamboo Savari), which is held on the streets of Mysuru city, went ahead as per the schedule because it is organised by the Karnataka government and not by the royal family.
"The victory procession from the palace and other functions on the 10th day of the festival, including the Torch Light Parade in the city, will go on as they are sponsored and organised by the state government," the official had said.
Chinnammani, who was suffering from age-related illnesses, was rushed to Shantavare Gopalagoda Hospital in Mysuru after being diagnosed with viral fever.
After the news of Chinnammani’s demise came, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid his condolences. “Iam deeply saddened to hear about the death of Smt. Putta Chinnammani, mother of Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, Maharani of Mysuru Royal Family. May her soul rest in peace. May goddess Chamundeshwari give all strength to Pramoda Devi and her family to bear the loss. #RIP”
The Dasara celebrations draw thousands of visitors to the streets of Karnataka’s Mysuru, located about 150 km from the state capital Bengaluru. The puja rituals, which take place inside the iconic Mysuru Palace which was constructed in 1912, have been cancelled.
In Mysuru, Dasara has been celebrated over centuries to mark the victory of good over evil. The festival dates back to 1610 when Raja Wadiyar, a ruler of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore from Wadiyar dynasty, organised Dasara celebrations for the first time.