Ayudha puja rituals and torchlight parade rehearsals add fervour to Dasara festivities

On the occasion of

Ayudha Puja

, the titular head of Mysuru royal family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar dressed in royal attire, offered pujas to the weapons kept inside the palace, royal cows, horses, elephants and palanquin. This day also marked

Durga

Navami and the eighth day of Navaratri.
Meanwhile, the rehearsals for the torchlight parade was held on Bannimantap Grounds, ahead of the finale. The event saw several acts unfolding to a packed crowd. A team performed acrobatic stunts on bikes, while there was also a tent-pegging performance. Holding torches, policemen also synchronised to form the words ‘Suswagantha’ and ‘Welcome to All’, which turned out to be a highpoint of the display.