Overview

• Lead tusker Abhimanyu carried the 750‑kg golden howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, flanked by kumki elephants Kaveri and Roopa, in his sixth such duty.
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah performed the Nandi Dwaja puja around 1:10 pm and later flagged off the procession by showering petals during the Kumbha Lagna window.
• A 21‑cannon salute resounded at the palace forecourt as dignitaries marked the start of the savari.
• The procession moved about five kilometres from Amba Vilas Palace to Bannimantap, with crowds staying on despite brief showers.
• Police enforced strict crowd‑management measures, including pass‑only entry, restricted seating, and rooftop bans, contributing to an incident‑free finale that featured 59 tableaux and nearly 90 cultural troupes.