Mysuru, Oct. 3 -- The grand procession, marking the culmination of Dasara, unfolded yesterday in Mysuru with greater smoothness and organisation compared to recent years.

Elephant Abhimanyu, famed for his majesty, poise and strength, carried the 750-kg Golden Howdah for the sixth consecutive time without a single hitch throughout the procession.

The Howdah, bearing the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, was carefully brought out from the private residence of the erstwhile Mysore royal family with the help of a crane and ceremoniously placed atop Abhimanyu inside the Palace. It was then secured with thick ropes to ensure balance along the 5-km route.

To the thunderous cheers of an enthusiastic crowd, Abhimanyu, flanked by Kumki elephants, ...