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DB18 visits Mysore Palace after 66 years
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The festival of Dasara celebrates the victory of good over evil. It was the day in the Hindu legends when Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) killed the demon Mahishasura whose slaying by the Goddess gave the city its name Mysuru (Mysore).
The Mysore tradition celebrates the warriors and the State fighting for the good during this festival. The ceremonies and a major elephant procession is traditionally presided by the Maharaja of Mysore. Cars were always part of the celebrations at the Palace functions.
My 1947 DB18 saloon was part of the Mysore fleet and was sold by Mysore Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wodeyar in 1957, to his classmate K N Srinivasan. Hence, she would be returning to the Mysore Palace after 66 years! Another major milestone would achieved under my current ownership!
Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a historical palace and a royal residence of the Wodeyar Kings. The palace is in the centre of Mysore, and faces the Chamundi Hills in the eastward direction.
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Entering one of the entrances to the main Palace after 66 years!
I look forward with much anticipation as I spot the wonder Palace on the left as the crowds look at us in awe.
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The setting sun makes a wonderful halo over the Palace as I feel the this visit is blessed! I stand proudly with the car in the front of the palace
The halo blesses and
covers the car too!
During the Dasara Celebrations it is estimated that 97,000 electric bulbs are used to illuminate The Palace and the four entrances. Main entrance is called “Jaya Maarthaanda” to the east, “Jayarama” to the North, ”Balarama” to the South and “Varaha” to the west.
The Palace illumination makes wonderful reflections on the car
But the celebrations in the Mysore city continues.
The night was still young and we celebrated this historical re-visit of my 1947 Daimler DB18
​After a successful visit and display at the Palace and we leave the palace as there is much excitement amongst the crowds as they see us leaving
The DB18 now sports “Mysore” to commemorate this re-visit.
On the left is the Gandaberunda, the mythical bird which was the Emblem of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore, under the Wodeyar rulers.
DLOC and KVCCC badges are flanked by the road trip badges.
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Warm regards
Subbaiah Kuppanda
BANGALORE
November 2023