India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Karnataka

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Date of issue: 11.10.2002

Pin code: 570001

Status: Active

PO Name: Mysuru

Description: Mysore is situated in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills and is the second-largest city in Karnataka. It is known for its festivities during Dussehra. The Royal Procession of Dussehra known as the "Jamboo Sawari" is held on the streets of Mysore. It was first started by King Wodeyar I in 1610. On the ninth day of Navaratri, called Mahanavami, the Royal Sword is worshipped and taken on a Procession of Decorated Elephants. The main attraction of this procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a Decorated Elephant on a Golden Howdah weighing about 750 kg of gold. 

Colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels are part of this Royal Procession which starts from the Mysore Palace and ends at a place called Bannimantap where the Banni tree is worshipped. According to a legend from the Mahabharata, the Banni tree was used by the Pandavas to hide their weapons during their one-year exile. As per custom, the royal family traditionally worshipped the tree before battles to be victorious in battle. The Dussehra festival culminates on the night of Vijayadashami with an event held at the grounds of Bannimantap called the Panjina Kavyattu (torch-light parade). The PPC depicts an Elephant Carrying a Howdah. It was released at the opening of the Philatelic Bureau in Mysore.