Drove my 1947 Daimler DB18 to Mysore palace for the Dasara festival

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.

BHPian KPS recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

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 during this festival. The Palace lead ceremonies include a major elephant procession and is traditionally presided over 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 kg in weight, including 85 kg of gold sheets, and now carries God's 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 a 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.

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