Mysuru: As the count down for Dasara begins, traditional poojas were offered on Wednesday, to over 150 year old historical seven brass cannon barrels, for CAR cops to rehearse to operate them, and to familiarise all 12 Dasara elephants with cannon fire shots as part of acclimatisation excercise.
Traditionally 21 cannon shots will be fired at Palace premises after Chief Minister offers floral tribute to Goddess Chamundeswari housed in the golden howdah, carried by Arjuna, during the Dasara jumbo savari procession on the Vijayadashami day. Also cannon shots will be fired during the torch light parade at the Bannimantap ground premises too.
City armed reserve cops led by ACP Suresh will operate the cannon barrels which belong to Mysore Palace board. City police commissioner Dr A Subramanyeswar Rao, ACP Palace security, Shailendra participated in the poojas along with the CAR cops. A week long rehearsal to operate the brass barrels for the CAR cops, began on Wednesday.
All 12 Dasara elephants will be familiarised with cannon fire shots three different days, Dr Nagaraj, veterinarian in charge of Dasara elephants said.
It is said that, in the past, Maharaja’s of erstwhile royal of family of Mysuru carried on this tradition of firing cannon shots to mark the auspicious occasions, to inform citizens on the events at Mysuru Palace.
