Mysuru, Oct. 20 -- The historic Amba Vilas Palace witnessed traditional Ayudha Puja celebrations as Mysuru's annual Dasara festivities gathered momentum. Yaduveer Wadiyar performed special worship of the royal family's ceremonial weapons, preserving customs followed by the rulers of the erstwhile Mysuru kingdom.

The day's rituals commenced at 6 am with a Chandika Homa at the palace. This was followed by prayers for the royal family's collection of weapons, which includes swords, spears and shields used by former rulers. The ceremonies were conducted at the palace's Kalyana Mantapa, where Yaduveer performed the puja in traditional royal attire.

As part of the age-old practice, 32 varieties of weapons associated with the Mysuru kings were...