[KPS]

The festival of Dasara celebrates the victory of good over evil. It was the day when Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) killed the demon Mahishasura, whose slaying by the Goddess gave the city its name Mysuru (Mysore).

The Mysore traditionally has a massive celebration in this festival. The Palace lead ceremonies includes a major elephants procession and is traditionally presided by the Maharaja of Mysore. Cars were always part of the celebrations at the Palace functions, especially during Ayudha puja.


Picture of a painting from the Palace walls at Mysore shows a traditional procession with all the pomp and glory. The King is seen riding on the famous Golden Howdah, which still exists. The Howdah is 750 kgs in weight, including 85 kgs of gold sheets now carries gods idol in the procession.

So when the Karnataka Vintage and Classic Car Club (KVCCC), in association with Advaith Hyundai organised a road trip to Mysore and display of cars at Mysore Palace, I was very excited.

My 1947 DB18 saloon was part of the Mysore fleet and was sold by Mysore Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wodeyar in 1957, to his classmate K N Srinivasan. Hence, she would be returning to the Mysore Palace after 66 years! Another major milestone would achieved under my current ownership!

The DB18 now sports “Mysore” to commemorate this re-visit. On the left is the Gandaberunda, the mythical bird which was the Emblem of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore, under the Wodeyar rulers. DLOC and KVCCC badges are flanked by the road trip badges.


The flag-off of this event was very high profile with the senior ministers making their presence felt at the wonderful Vidhana Soudha.

Making our grand entry to Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the Government of Karnataka


Under the watchful eyes at the entrance "Government Work is God's Work"


Slowly the other cars line up


Proudly displays the KVCCC-Advaith Mysore Dasara Badge


Pictures with the magnificient Soudha









Dollu Kunitha is a traditional folk dance with drums, from Karnataka


Dollu or drum is associated with Lord Shiva, known for his aggression and fierce dance (bhairava tandava dance). This is a very high enegy dance form


I pose with them, as one of them wants a picture on his phone!


The flag-Off by the Transport Minister, Shri Ramalinga Reddy


In the papers!


We line up after Flag-Off for our depature to Mysore


The departure of the cars to Mysore
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyqGTpnhkkd/?hl=en

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This was also shared by FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens), The International Federation for Historic Vehicles and acknowledges the views of more than 2.5 lakh !


Cheers

[KPS]

We had a good drive to Mysore the new Mysore Road made the whole experience fantastic.

BHPian Kasli, took these pictures of the Daimler in action, passing the famous rocks of Ramanagara.











We drove straight to the Advaith Hyundai, Mysore Showroom for its inauguration. We got a great welcome to Mysore


My buddy and his wife from Mysore, join me on this historical revisit to the Palace


Negotiating the roads to the Palace with much anticipation


Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a historical palace and a royal residence of the Wodeyar Kings. The palace is in the centre of Mysore, and faces the Chamundi Hills in the eastward direction.The Palace has four entrances, main entrance is called “Jaya Maarthaanda” to the east, “Jayarama” to the North, ”Balarama” to the South and “Varaha” to the west

The car would be entering one of the entrances to the main Palace, after 66 years ! Entry through the South Gate, Balarama


We make our way through the crowds and see the magnifcient palace on the left. There is a immense sense of satisfaction as I take car back to it's orginal home!


Finally made it. Under my ownership, this is one of major items to be ticked.
The setting sun makes a beautiful halo over the Palace.


The halo over Palace gives the impression that this visit is blessed


I proudly stand absorbing this occassion!


Mysore 89 (MYB 89) proudly shows her colours. Seems to be happy to be back to its first home!


With my Mysore buddies


The halo of the setting sun comes down on the car before disappearing for the night !


During the Dasara Celebrations it is estimated that close to 1 Lakh electric bulbs are used to illuminate








The reflections of the wonderfully illuminated Palace is beautifully captured on the car!








After a successful visit and display at the Palace we leave, much to the excitement of the crowds as they wave us bye!


The city of Mysore continues to celebrate well after we leave the Palace


We too celebrate at the hotel.

Cheers

KPS

[KPS]

The next day was to drive from Mysore for a day visit to Gonikoppa in Coorg, for the inauguration of the Advaith Hyundai, Gonikoppa Branch.

I took this opportunity to plan ahead and visit my Ain-Mane, which is close to Gonikoppa.

Ain-manés are the ancestral homes of the native communities in Koḍagu, and have an important role in their socio-cultural traditions. Each ainmané belongs to an okka (patrilineal clan) that is identified by its mané péda (name of the okka).

The traditional ainmanés of Koḍagu have a unique architectural style. Those that are still standing today generally date from about 150 to 250 years ago, and have evolved from the simple balyamanés of earlier times. Currently there are about 1720 okkas in Koḍagu (including about 1040 Koḍava, 320 Gouḍa and 360 okkas of other communities). Nearly 60% of them no longer have traditional ainmanés.

Source:

Traditionally all the members of an okka lived in a large ancestral ainmane house, which was also a focal meeting points in the rural landscape. The name of my Okka is "Kuppanda", hence a visit to Kuppanda Ain-mane was planned. Our Ain-Mane is about 200+ years old and is maintained by the extended Kuppanda family.

So the Daimler and the Beetle went on this trip to the Kuppanda Ain-Mane. BHPian's Karlos and Kasli were in the Beetle. They had come down from Mumbai to participate in the event and drive my Beetle

Enroute to Coorg, we stop for a tender coconut break.


Weekend traffic is nightmare all over Coorg. Over tourism is a major problem


Off we go across the country roads towards the Kuppanda Ain-mane


The cars arrive, even the colours seem to match!


Everything is eye catching !


We explain to Karlos and Kasli our customs and traditions. They even have a sit at the designated place for the guest of the Ain-Mane. Local black coffee made with jaggery was a big hit with them!


Members of the family who had come meet us enjoyed getting to know about the cars as we patiently answered their questions


The stone post "Kal Boti" is seen in every Ain-Mane. On cermonial occasions, oxen used to be tethered . It is considered as an adornment for the yard in front of the Ain-Mane


I feel very happpy to have made this trip with both the cars.


The Kuppanda family members who had come, wish us bye and thank us for having made it to the Ain-Mane. I feel honoured.


Off we go!


Love this shot


Photo shopped to give the photo a vintage look!





I wanted this picture with the paddy fields, as paddy/rice is used in all our customs and traditions


We reach back Advaith Hyundai, Gonikoppa. We were one of the last!. On the occasion of Ayudha Pooja the Dealership did pooja for the car.


After a sumptious meal, we drove back to Mysore. The Daimler passing the Beetle as we head towards my Mysore





At Mysore we just relaxed and recollect the fantastic last two days and discuss more about vintage and classic cars!

Cheers

[KPS]

We leave from Mysore to Bangalore, with all the best blessings


The new Mysore-Bangalore highway was great to drive. Especially as there was very sparce traffic. BHPian's Karl and Kasli in the Beetle, thebulletboy in the VW Karmen Ghia and me in the Daimler.

The roads to Bangalore as very less traffic!


We could keep good speeds


While we try to maintain speeds around 70 kmph, but the empty roads lulls you and before you realise, you are driving too fast. An occasional indulgence


We made so many people happy as they saw us motoring down the road


We had some good fun.


We end the trip with a celebratory lunch at Bangalore Golf Club, before head to respective our homes or hotel.


Here is a small video on the trip which captures the Daimler in action too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQy4ZpMyX8A

The car is now ready for its next road trip in February'24!

Hope you enjoyed the journey with me

Cheers

KPS

[Pkumarblore]

Beautiful Travelogue Sir! I must admire the pristine condition of your Daimler. It looks so majestic in front of the Palace. I am sure it must have been a very nostalgic feeling during and after the trip. And yes, you very rightly mentioned about over tourism, especially on the Mysore-Coorg sector. Weekend drives are filled with cars on highways, therefore killing the enjoyment.
Looking forward to your next travelogue. Happy & safe motoring!

[sach.sri]

OMG! No other words to describe! Also congrats on the superbly maintained car just amazing.

The pictures are too nice, specially enjoyed the set with the palace under setting sun and with the lighting reflecting on the car as well as the ones at the Kuppanda Ain-mane

Too good sir!

[ex-innova-guy]

Originally Posted by KPS

We made so many people happy as they saw us motoring down the road

You made us happy too! I don't know anything about these classics but I admire you to take these cars to where people won't take their modern sedans. The VW Karmen Ghia is really a treat to my eyes. Would love to know more about it.

Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures with us.

[McLaren Rulez]

I was traveling to Bangalore that day and saw the convoy of classics! Absolutely beautiful old timers

[maddy42]

KPS sir did see your vehicle in Anechowkur and recognized it as yours. Both the vehicles looked gorgeous and was a eye turner. Did see the jeep convoy of Willys waiting for you in the forest.

Maddy

[KPS]

Originally Posted by maddy42

KPS sir did see your vehicle in Anechowkur and recognized it as yours. Both the vehicles looked gorgeous and was a eye turner. Did see the jeep convoy of Willys waiting for you in the forest.
Maddy

Hi Maddy,

It was great to meet the Flat Fenders Club of Coorg. I am glad we could coloborate for this meeting and enthusiasm shown by you all was very warming. Yes I did pass you all at Anechowkur, as I was heading to the Ain-Mane. It was sight to see all the jeeps parked waiting for the rest of the cars to arrive from Mysore.

Glad I could spend time with the Flat Fender Club of Coorg. Happy memories


Cheers

KPS

[Jekyl87]

Such an amazing history and story of the car. Wonderful to see it visit its home after so many years. Thank you sir for a wonderful read.