Mysuru, 04 Oct (H.S.):Visitors to Mysuru Palace will face restrictions on five days in October and November as preparations gather pace for the Dasara festival and the royal family’s private durbar ceremonies, the Palace Board has announced.

The restrictions cover the assembly and dismantling of the ceremonial throne, the festival’s inauguration, Ayudha Puja and the Jambu Savari elephant procession. While the palace will remain closed on three festival days, the other two dates involve limited restrictions.

According to a press release issued by the board, visitors will not be allowed into the Durbar Hall on Monday, October 5, when the traditional throne is assembled for the celebrations.

The throne, crafted with gold, diamonds, silver and nine precious gems, will be installed in the hall as part of the arrangements for the royal family’s ceremonial gatherings during Dasara.

The palace will be closed to tourists on October 11 for the festival’s inauguration. Entry will also be suspended on October 20, when Ayudha Puja rituals are performed.

On October 21, tourists will not be permitted inside the palace because of the historic Jambu Savari, the elephant procession that forms the centrepiece of the Vijayadashami celebrations.

A further restriction will apply on November 19, when the throne is dismantled after the festival and returned to a secure chamber inside the palace. Visitors will not be admitted until noon that day, the board said.

On all other days, tourists can visit the palace as usual and view the jewelled throne displayed in the Durbar Hall, according to the announcement.

Visitors planning trips during the festive period will need to account for both complete palace closures and restrictions affecting access to the Durbar Hall. The board’s announcement sets out the arrangements as work continues at the palace ahead of the annual celebrations and associated royal ceremonies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman