Mysore, the city of the royal palace, is known for its age-old tradition of celebrating Dussehra or ‘Dasara’ in a lavish and majestic way. It is celebrated for 10 days and concludes with Vijayadashami.

This is the major festival celebrated in Karnataka State of South India Region. The preparation for celebrations begins way before and the whole city is decorated beautifully for the entire period. There is music, dance, cultural activities, a delightful procession and a torch-light parade. There is a special music concert performed by the Yuva or youth icons during Dasara.

 

When is Mysore Dasara?

This year 2019 Mysuru Dasara will begin at 8:45 am on Sunday29 September and ends onTuesday 8 October

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History of Mysore Dasara

Mysuru was earlier called as ‘Mahishur’ and which comes from a very interesting story. It is believed that Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hill, killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura here, and this victory of good over evil is the driving force behind the festivities. Several deities (Devi) are worshipped on the 9 days (Navratri) followed by Vijayadashami which means the 10th day of victory. The whole city unites and prepares itself for the festivities.

The festivities were first started by the Wadiyar king in the year 1610. The Mysore Palace is lit with 100,000 light bulbs and looks splendid on all the 10 days.

 

The Wadiyar royal couple performs a special puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari in the Chamundi Temple, which marks the beginning of the celebrations. This is then followed by a royal assembly in the Mysuru palace and is attended by the royal family members and special guests amongst other people. The successors of Wadiyar king have religiously followed the tradition and do it with the same fervor till today.

 

What Happens During this festival?

Due to the elaborate festivities and entrancing programmes, tourists from all over the world visit Mysuru at this time to enjoy the fete.

The ninth day of Dasara, called as ‘Mahanavami’ is considered to be very auspicious and special worship for the royal sword is done on that day, which is taken on a procession with elephants, camels and royal horses.

On the 10th day i.e. Vijayadashami, the ‘Jambo Savari’ or the procession is taken to the streets of the city and people come in thousands to see the same. The highlight of the procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, worshipped by the royal couple, which is placed in a golden ‘howdah’ over a magnificent elephant.

 

Jambu Savari Mysore Dasara

Many vibrant paintings and illustrations, dance groups, armed forces, music troupes, legends, the royal traditional families, decorated elephants, camels and horses are all part of the procession which is a delight to watch. The procession starts from the royal palace and stops at the ‘Bannimantap’ where the famous ‘Banni’ tree is worshipped. It is believed that the tree gives power and victory and the warriors of the old times used to worship this tree before going for war to pray for their victory.

On the evening of the Vijayadashami, an event is held at Bannimantap, which is known as ‘Panjina Kavayithu’ or the torch-light parade. The program includes some dare-devil acts and stunts by trained and respected men of the Indian Army, laser show and some marvellous fireworks that light up the night.

 

Another major attraction during this time is the exhibition that lasts for 2 months. The exhibition is organized at a huge scale and sells everything that you would want to buy. Gift items, food, clothes, kitchen utilities and plastic items, cosmetics and many more are included.

Other than this, several games and rides instantly attract the kids and adults alike. The exhibition is a great day outing to explore products from all over India and buy them to get a first-hand experience of the cultural diversity and variety of India. The government supports the initiative by encouraging more local vendors to come and sell their products.

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Mysore Dasara

One of the most popular attractions of Mysore, the Dasara festivity is a sheer delight. To savor and be a part of these celebrations, a huge number of travelers visit Mysore at this time.

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When and Why is it celebrated?

Also known as ‘Vijayadashmi’, it is celebrated every year on the 10th day of Narvatra festival, in the months of September-October. According to Hindu mythology, this festival is a celebration and commemoration of the victory of good over evil when Goddess Chamundeshwari slayed the demon Mahishasura.

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Royal Connection

Mysore Dasara festivities mainly are a private affair of the Wodeyars and can be attended by a selected audience. At a particular time, wearing royal clothes and the traditional headgear, the head of the royal family, walks towards the golden royal throne, to receive the wishes of the public. Special tune, composed by the Court musicians is then played.

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Dasara Celebrations

At this time, Amba Vilas Palace or the Mysore Palace are illuminated with beautiful lights, along with the whole of city. Several religious as well as cultural programs, depicting the culture, music and dance of Karnataka, are held. These events are held in the front of the Palace. Popular performers are invited for the same. The festivities begin with a special Pooja of the Goddess Chamundeshwari in a temple on the top of the Chamundi Hills. This pooja is attended by the royal couple, high-ranking officials of Karnataka Govt., Ministers and other invitees.

Doll shows and flower exhibitions are the other highlights. Do not miss the very special wrestling tournament that is organized at the Devraj Urs stadium, located beside the exhibition grounds. Wrestlers from all around the country take part in this competition. A Film Festival and a Food Festival are also part of the Dasara celebrations in Mysore.

Organized at the Doddakere Maidan, opposite the Mysore Palace, the Dasara exhibition is the other highlight. It starts during Dasara and continue for a duration of around 2 months. This exhibitions has stalls selling stuff like food, glass ware, plastic ware, and clothing. There are amusement rides and stalls for games. There are stalls by the state’s government too.

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Concluding the festivities

A vibrant Dasara procession, known as Jamboo Savari, mark the end of the Dasara celebrations. The magnificence and opulence of this event is popular all around the world. During this event, the beautiful idol of Goddess Chamundaeshwari is kept on the top of elephant, in a golden-colored howdah that is more than 750 kg. Before independence, instead of the idol, the king himself used to sit on the howdah.

A colorful montage is made especially by the State organized for the procession. Musical bands and mounted guards in royal clothes, belonging to the Karnataka Police make the procession, a musical one. Starting at the Mysore Palace, the procession comes to an end at the Banni mantap where a Banni tree is worshiped. Bejeweled elephants and camels, and fold dancers are also a part of this colorful Dasara procession. The distance between the starting and ending point of the festival is 2.5 km.

In the end, a torch-light parade or the Panjina Kavayatthu is held at the Banni Mantap ground, which is placed on the outskirts of Mysore. A special laser show has been added to this parade recently. Thrilling motorcycle stunts by Indian Army and fireworks are also a part of this parade.