We arrive early and find a great spot to watch the Dasara parade.

From our seats (for the Dasara parade in Mysore), the intersection in front of us is empty.

A heavy police presence throughout the day, along the Dasara parade route in Mysore.

Many spectators seem dressed-up for the Dasara parade in Mysore.

Many women (spectators) wear beautiful garlands in their hair (Dasara parade in Mysore).

Many vendors work the crowd waiting for the Dasara parade in Mysore.

Many vendors work the crowd waiting for the Dasara parade in Mysore.

Mysore

Cucumbers, with a sprinkling of sugar and spice, are popular street food. Dasara parade route in Mysore.

Grapefruits for sale. Dasara parade route in Mysore.

Many vendors work the crowd waiting for the Dasara parade in Mysore.

Mysore

Many vendors work the crowd waiting for the Dasara parade in Mysore.

Many vendors work the crowd waiting for the Dasara parade in Mysore.

Many vendors work the crowd waiting for the Dasara parade in Mysore.

Truly a family event, there were many, many children at the Dasara parade in Mysore.

Mysore

This boy, Manjunath, was very talkative in describing the many wonders of Dasara in Mysore.

Andy and John talk to a street vendor in Mysore.

Mysore

Sleeping baby, beautiful flower garland; Dasara parade route in Mysore.

Mysore

The crowd begins to fill in around us; we have the red umbrella. Dasara parade route in Mysore.

The stands are full well before the parade arrives; Dasara parade route in Mysore.

The elite police (with red tufts) arrive soon before the parade. Dasara parade route in Mysore.

The parade arrives! four and a half hot hours after we staked out seats on the stands. Dasara parade in Mysore.

The men dance with this huge pole, um, right. Dasara parade in Mysore.

The first troupe of costumed dancers. Dasara parade in Mysore.

Dancing with swords; Dasara parade in Mysore.

Dancers and drummers; Dasara parade in Mysore.

Mysore

A group of rolling drums, each perhaps 3" thick but 40" round; Dasara parade in Mysore.

Elephants arrive! the same 12 elephants every year. Dasara parade in Mysore.

Each elephant is beautifully painted, with gold ornaments. Dasara parade in Mysore.

Mysore

Each elephant has one or two riders (drivers?). Dasara parade in Mysore.

Elephant drivers. Dasara parade in Mysore.

Ah! an elephant turns toward me... [Dasara parade in Mysore.]

uh-oh, the elephant spreads his legs... [Dasara parade in Mysore.]

a flood of elephant pee flows toward, and under, the crowd. [Dasara parade in Mysore.]

Mysore

A small band passes; Dasara parade in Mysore.

Tassle dancers; Dasara parade in Mysore.

Tassle dancers; Dasara parade in Mysore.

A second group of elephants. Dasara parade in Mysore.

As with the first group, these elephants are impressive! Dasara parade in Mysore.

Mysore

Five elephants together. Dasara parade in Mysore.

The elephants are colorful from the rear, too. Dasara parade in Mysore.

Dancing with sticks. Dasara parade in Mysore.

A float with Nandi, the bull. Dasara parade in Mysore.

Ghandi look-alike; Dasara parade in Mysore.

These men have great seats in the tree across the street. Dasara parade in Mysore.

A dancer, balancing a huge display on his head; Dasara parade in Mysore.

... he climbs a ladder while balancing his headdress. Dasara parade in Mysore.