Mysuru news: During the ongoing Dasara festivities, the Mysore Palace hosted the traditional Vajramusti Kalaga martial art event on Saturday. This ritualistic form of combat, performed by members of the Jetti community, is an age-old tradition that takes center stage during the Vijaya Dashami celebrations.
The grand Vijayadashami procession is underway in the city of palaces, marking the finale of the 10-day iconic 'Mysuru Dasara' celebrations. The event commenced with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar offering pooja to the 'Nandi Dhwaja' (Nandi Flag) at the majestic Amba Vilas Palace.
The ritual took place during the auspicious Makara Lagna, between 1:41 PM and 2:10 PM, at the palace's Balarama gate. Following the pooja, Siddaramaiah extended his Vijayadashami greetings to the public.
Vajramusti Kalaga
Vajramusti Kalaga involves two intense bouts of wrestling, with four skilled wrestlers representing the regions of Mysore, Bangalore, Chamarajanagar, and Channapattana. In this fierce contest, the fighters aim to draw blood from their opponent to declare victory, marking the conclusion of the match. The ritual emphasizes strength, endurance, and mastery of technique, with combatants wielding vajramusti, a knuckle-duster-like weapon, in their fists.
The ritual marks the commencement of the Vijay Yatra, a royal procession that takes place annually on the final day of Dasara. Vajramusti Kalaga remains an integral part of the celebrations, reflecting the region's rich cultural and martial heritage.
Earlier, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the scion of the Mysore royal family, performed a special Puja on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami.