Karnataka minister says state retains authority over Mysuru Dasara, rejects royal's schedule change

Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the minister responsible for Mysuru district, said the Karnataka government has the right to decide how the Dasara festival is run and rejected a request from former royal Pramoda Devi Wadiyar to change the schedule of the Jamboo Savari procession. He explained that the Palace Board and the palace, except the part where the former royal family lives, are owned by the state, so the government can set the dates for events. Siddaramaiah added that moving the Jamboo Savari to the day of the Rathothsava chariot festival would not be possible, as the palace needs to remain free for the royals to perform Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami rituals without outside interference. He said this was his personal view and he had not yet discussed it with the chief minister. The minister also turned down Wadiyar’s idea to limit cultural programmes at the palace to the first seven days of the festival. He said the final decisions rest with the government but talks with the former royals can be held to ensure smooth coordination. When asked about reports that Wadiyar might take legal action or withhold the golden howdah, Siddaramaiah said the government will address any issue if it arises and urged the royals not to take extreme steps. He clarified that the golden howdah, known as the Ambari, is not given free; the state pays the former royals for its use on the day of the procession. Siddaramaiah stressed that cooperation between the government and the erstwhile royal family is essential for a successful Dasara. He recalled that the state has officially organized the festival as Nada Habba since the early 1970s and that officials regularly contact the former royals to seek their input. He noted that the festival proceeded smoothly this year, apart from the cancellation of the Vajramushti Kalaga on Vijayadashami, and said the government will either send an emissary or issue a formal reply to address Wadiyar’s concerns. ## Context The palace is a state‑owned property apart from the residential wing of the former royal family, giving the government legal authority over public events held there. Coordination with the royals helps preserve traditional rituals while allowing the state to manage the large public celebrations.