An era bygone came alive at the regal durbar hall of Mysore Palace on Friday with the scion of the Mysore royal family, Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, holding the traditional ‘khas durbar’, on the first day of Dasara.

As he ascended the golden throne, studded with diamonds and pearls and draped in royal finery, it was royal elegance at its finest display.

The day commenced with Wadiyar performing ‘pooja’ to ‘Atma Vilasa Ganapathi’ and then to the ‘navagrahas’ at 9.30 am, an hour before rahukala commenced.

Later, clad in ‘raja poshak’ (royal dress), royal turban and ‘rajabharanas’ (precious jewels), Wadiyar  proceeded towards Amba Vilas, saluted the ‘pattada aane’ (royal elephant) and ascended the throne around 9.45 am. 

Chanting ‘bhoparaks’ and holding deevatige (torch), ‘chathri chamaras’ and other royal palace ‘nishanes’, raja sevaks and other royal family attendants followed Wadiyar.

Rajapurohits offered ‘sutthu veelya’ and ‘haara-thuraayi’ (betel leaves, flower petals and culling) to Wadiyar. Later, phala-tamboola (fruit basket along with coconut, betel leaves and arecanut) and ‘sambhavane’, were given to the invitees by Wadiyar  as a token of respect.

Senior ‘archakas’ from Sringeri, Nanjangud and Chamundi Hill temples offered phala-mantrakshathe (fruits and rice mixed with kumkum and turmeric) to Wadiyar as ‘prasada’ of respective deities.

After the 30-minute ‘private durbar’, Wadiyar descended from the throne, recieving the ‘nazars’ (gesture showing respect to the Maharaja) offered by senior members of other ‘ursu’ families. Following this, Wadiyar’s wife Pramoda Devi performed his ‘paada pooja’ in the ‘kannadi thotti’ (hall of mirrors).

On a concluding note, a procession accompanied by a traditional band, the royal elephant carrying a ‘kalasa’ filled with holy water, the royal horse, royal cow and the royal camel proceeded towards Somanatheshwara Temple on the Eastern side of the Palace, where a special pooja and other rituals were held. The procession ended at ‘aane bagilu’ (elephant gate).

The ‘Khas durbar’ will continue till October 20 from 7 pm every day. The entry is through invitations issued by the royal family.