The erstwhile Mysore royal family was dealt a double blow on the day of the grand finale of Dasara celebrations. Early in the day, news emerged that Putta Chinnammani, (98), the mother of Pramoda Devi Wodeyar, a member of the Mysore royal family passed away due to age-related illness. Hours later, Vishalakshi Devi, sister-in-law of Pramoda, passed away at Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru at around 4:15 pm after succumbing to illnesses
Pramoda, who was in Mysuru during the day left for Bengaluru upon hearing the news of her sister-in-law passing away.The deaths cast a gloom over the final day of Dasara celebrations in Mysuru. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, adopted son of Pramoda Devi was expected to preside over the 'Vajramusti Kalaga', a popular wrestling event in which the winner is determined by the fighter that manages to draw blood first. The event was, however, cancelled and Yaduveer was not present in the festivities following the death of Putta Chinnammani.
However, the Jumbo Savari, one of the attractions of the festival in which decorated elephants take to the streets of the city, went ahead as planned in the evening since it was being organised by the state government.
The victory parade involves a grand procession of caparisoned elephants, horse-drawn carriages, tableaux and thousands of artistes from the Amba Vilas Palace, popularly known as Mysuru Palace, till the Bannimantap Grounds through the city's lanes.
This will be followed by the Torch Light Parade from Bannimantap Grounds at 7 pm which will be attended by Governor Vajubhai Vala.