Mysuru: The Dasara dolls show may be a tradition in the city, but it never fails to be topical. This year, Mysuru palace priest, Sri Hari, who has, as always, transformed his bungalow into a “Gombe mane” has recalled India’s failed moon mission, the country’s surgical strike against a terror camp in Pakistan, and even the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution on Jammu and Kashmir in his display.
His dolls also pay tribute to the birth centenary celebrations of Mysuru king of old, Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, much to the delight of the visitors , who have a lot to interest them this year at the “doll house.”
As they wander through it they find dolls that are based on mythological tales, or reflect moral values, life philosophies and festivals . They also see others that recall historical places like Melkote. On display too are 12 “pattada gombes” in the ethnic wear of different states. "Two sets of the pattada raja and rani have been handed down over three generations," said Ms Geetha Srihari, wife of the third generation priest at the Trinayaneswara temple in the palace grounds.
The entire family, including Ms Geetha and her husband,Sri Hari, their son, Tejonidhi S. Dixith and daughter, Aishwarya toil for over a fortnight every year to come up with the doll show in the house.
It will come to a close with the “Pattada raja and rani” "going to sleep" while the Jumbo Savari reaches the Bannimantap grounds on Vijayadashami Day to bring down the curtains on the nine-day Dasara festivities in
the city.
