Filter Coffee #167

On Dasara, a Royal Treat

Some of my readers sent in their comments on FC 166. Thank you all!!

Shahji Jacob said: "Probably on account of the writer's dilemma, as first mentioned in the title, you have kept it very short and as usual sweet. I like the way you end your piece with a joke of sorts. It indeed keeps us in a good mood whatever our prior disposition."

Shereyar Vakil says: "The advantages of mediating are well presented. Talking of failed mediation, I recall an incident which occurred almost four decades ago. This was opposite Churchgate station in Mumbai. A couple was fiercely arguing and almost coming to blows when a good Samaritan entered the fray trying to bring about peace. The wife slapped the samaritan stating that the issue was between husband and wife and that he had no right to interfere."

Swaminathan says: "In Ramayana, mediation failed twice. Once when Anjaneya went to Lanka and the other when Ravana ignored Angada’s sage counsel. Rama sent Angad to the court of Ravana as a diplomatic messenger, to warn the Lankan king to set Sita free and avert a destructive war. But instead of falling in line, Ravan tried to buy the loyalty of Angad. Identifying the merits of mediation, Swaminathan points out the futility of litigation, lack of commercial wisdom, not appreciating the time value of money, not appreciating the importance of peace of mind, emotions overshadowing logic, being ill-advised etc as factors that potential litigant should be sensitized to be able to appreciate the demerits of litigation."

Rita Kapur says: "Much needed article to remind us all that litigation is not the way when there is an option for Mediation. Like you said it's a win-win for both sides. But big egos need to be kept aside to go for it. Avoid litigation. Life is short! Great reading!"

Tarun Kunzru says: "A mediator has to play the role of a catalyst - bring about change/resolve a dispute between people without undergoing a change him/herself. Given that this person is human, I often wonder how a mediator or counselor stays neutral given we have our own biases and value systems. It's a tough job."

Subahu Desai says: "Eloquent as always. The last part was the icing on the cake."

🎇 Dasara, A Royal Treat

The Dasara festival is on. The nine-day festival is celebrated in different parts of the country in very different ways. Mysore, now Mysuru, is the most happening place during Dasara. I love the palace, which looks resplendent when illuminated. A sight to behold. 

In 1610, the Dasara festival was brought back to life by the Wodeyars of the Mysore Kingdom ruled by Raja Wodeyar I. The world-famous Dasara Habba has its charm, and the festivities are still followed by the present-day king, but privately. In Karnataka, the festival has gained cultural significance and is now celebrated each year as a State festival. 

The festival is based on the story of Goddess Chamundeshwari who amalgamated the power and prowess of no less than Shiva, Vishnu and Agni for the sake of protecting the good and destroying the wicked. The Gods thought that Devi was the right person and requested her to take up this onerous responsibility of putting down the evil. Strengthening her hands, each one of the Gods gave different powers to her so that she could achieve the great mission of freeing the world from tormentors of different types. Thus was born Devi the indomitable energy personified and to vanquish the demons she  is said to have manifested in nine forms: 

1) Mahakali, the vanquisher of demons Madhu-Katabha.

2) Mahishasuramardini, the destroyer of Mahishasura.

3) Chamundi, the killer of Chanda-Munda.

4) Kali, the killer of Raktabija.

5) Raktadanti, the great destroyer.

6) Durga, the harbinger of the destruction of Kamsa.

7) Shakambari who warded off the famines.

8) Durgadevi, the destroyer of the demon Durga.

9) Brahmani, the killer of the demon Aruna.

Later on Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth and Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge were also added to the list. I recommend the dance dedicated to this goddess for your viewing: 🔗Ayi giri nandini | Sayani Chakraborty choreography.

Present-day Mysore's name is derived from the the demon Mahishasura, who is said to have lived in the city.

On the 10th day, Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon and rooted herself on top of a hill which is now called the Chamundi hills. The Mahanavami, a colourful tradition brings life, light, and impeccable grandiosity to the city of Mysore.

Before the abolition of the privy purse and the virtual derecognition of royalty, the King of Mysore used to sit on an elephant in a howdah and go in a procession to a place called ‘Banni Mantap’.

That was a sight to behold.

The final day of the festival, Vijayadashami is the most prominent event which remains etched in one's memory of the Mysore Dasara. The grand Jamboo Savaari begins at the elegant Mysore Palace towards the sacred grounds of the Banni Mantapa (Banni tree). As per history, the Pandavas during their exile used to hide their weapons under the Banni tree. Since it is said that the Banni tree protected the weapons, the tradition has been alive during the Vijayanagara Empire up until the present time. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in a golden howdah (casket) weighing a staggering 750 kg. Accompanied by many folk-art performances, music, and majestic horses and camels, the 5km long procession is a sight to behold where bejewelled, decorated mighty elephants carry the idol of Durga across the streets of Mysore before culminating at the Banni mantapa. The curtains are drawn to a close on the final eve of Vijayadashami with a torchlight parade. The initial purpose of the torchlight parade was to instill courage in the people of the kingdom and to display the military forces under the king. But in recent years, the parade has been held to continue the age-old tradition and offers a peek into the history of Mysore Dasara. 

For me, born and brought up in Mysore, Dasara (as it is celebrated in Karnataka) has a special significance. Anything that happened in the Royal family was a cause for celebration by the entire town (Mysore was indeed a town but with many horses). I remember one instance vividly, which occurred when I was in primary school. There was a birth in the Royal family and on 100 feet Road, people lined up on either side to receive a ‘pavu’ of sugar (roughly 125gms). The Maharaja of Mysore, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar had an imposing personality and as kids, we looked up to him as our Maharaja. 

Ayudha pooja is another important aspect of Navratri. On this occasion, the implements employed by people of various professions and walks of life are customarily venerated, such as the weapons of a soldier, the tools of an artisan, and the books of a student. 

As per Wiki, two Hindu legends relate to this festival. The popular legend which was also practiced symbolically by the Maharajas of Mysore alludes to one legend. It is said that on Vijayadashami day Arjuna, third of the five Pandava brothers, retrieved his weapons of war from the hole in the shami tree where he had hidden them before proceeding on the forced exile. He retrieved them after completing his vanavasa (exile period) of 13 years, including one year of Agyatavas (living incognito), before embarking on the warpath against the Kauravas. In the Kurukshetra war that ensued, Arjuna was victorious. Pandavas returned on Vijayadashami day and since then it is believed that this day is auspicious to begin any new venture. In Karnataka, Ayudha Puja is celebrated by the general public one day before the original festival day Vijayadashami

I have seen many palaces in the world but to me, none of them match the beauty of Mysore Palace. In school, we used to sing an anthem meant for the Royal Kingdom of Mysore. A really beautiful composition penned by the royal court poet Basavappa Shastry in 1881. It is a prayer to Goddess Durga, referred to in the anthem as Gowri, seeking her benevolence and blessings on the royal family and in particular the successive Maharajas, whose name featured in the last line.

I urge you to click on this link and listen to the anthem and also see the pictures of the royal family. 🔗Mysore State Anthem [Karnataka]

Golu is another important aspect of Dasara in the South. After battling ferociously for 9 days on the 10th and final day, Goddess Durga emerged victorious and slayed the demon king, Mahishasura. However, all the other gods and goddesses turned into statues as they relinquished their powers to aid the Goddess.

So, the Golu or the dolls displayed during Navratri is a humble ode to the selfless sacrifices of other gods and goddesses to ensure the victory of good over evil. For more information on Golu, please use this link: 🔗Golu (festival) - Wikipedia

Another cultural event which has gained popularity all over India and overseas like Bollywood, is the Dandiya Raas or Garba dance. Primarily originating from Gujarat, this dance is performed at night on all days of Navratri (9 days). If you wish to experience the energy of this dance please check this out: 🔗Nagada Sang Dhol (Video Song) | Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela | Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh

Dear Readers, I hope those of you who are unfamiliar with Mysuru Dasara will find this slightly longer post, interesting. Please do write in your comments.

Take care, God bless! Ciao.