With the Dasara festivities to start by September-end, the Mysore royal family is likely to decide on a successor soon.
The death of Srikantadatta Narashimaraja Wadiyar on December 10 came as an untimely blow for the family which has been leading the Dasara celebrations for the last 400 years.
Though there is confusion among the public that there may be no rituals and other festivities for a year, the royal family has continued to celebrate four Navarathri festivals.
The Wadiyars, who still follow the legacy and rituals of the Vijayanagar kingdom, held ‘Chitra’ or ‘Vasantha Navaratri’ in April, starting on the day of Ugadi festival.
They also celebrated ‘Maga Navaratri’ in December-January. Under the supervision of Wadiyar’s widow Pramodadevi Wadiyar, the family has gone about holding special Chamundeshwari and other poojas, without compromising on the traditions. They have also held monthly poojas after Wadiyar’s death.
Nephew’s Name Making Rounds
Meanwhile, the name of Srikantadatta Wadiyar’s nephew Chaduranga Kantharaj Urs, who performed his uncle’s last rites, is making the rounds as his potential successor. But Pramodadevi has not made public her choice.
Sources in Mysore Palace said a decision would be taken soon to continue the Dasara tradition and hold the private durbar, a major attraction during Dasara Mahotsava.
The Yadu dynasty has ruled the Mysore Kingdom for more than 500 years and Pramodadevi is likely to meet Rajaguru, chief of Parakala Mutt, and may also write to Sringeri Mutt for advice on the choice of successor.