Mysore Dasara also referred to as Mysore Dushhera is one of the largest festivals in India, which is celebrated in the city of Mysore with great joy and show. The Mysore Dasara, Contrary to other festivals, is not only a one-day event, away from its traditional format but it is a ten-day carnival, the last day being celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, the day that represents the triumph of good over evil. This event occurs in September or October, according to the Hindu calendars, and commemorates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura after whom the city of Mysore has been named.

Historical Significance

Mysore Dasara is celebrated for over 400 years and starting from the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire around the 15th century, it has logical origins. Mysore’s Wodeyars also took the celebration further in the city. Maharaja Raja Wodeyar I has made the celebration of the festival in the year of ‘In 1610’ and it stays like today. Such cultural evolution was a result of the political potentials of the time, as the rulers actively participated. The event was not merely concerned with religious customs but had the essence of imperial pageantry and opulence, illustrating the power of the regnant Wodeyar family.

Key Events and Traditions

Jumbo Savari (Elephant Procession): The Lord Sri Chamundeshwarar deity is taken in a grand procession on the last and important day of the Mysore Dasara Celebration called the Jumbo Savari, which takes place on the ‘Vijaya Dashami Day’. An ornately decorated elephant, called the ‘Ambari’, will carry the golden image of Goddess Chamundeshwari throughout the roads of Mysore from Mysore Palace to Banni Mantapa. Accompanying the event are cultural groups, dance troupes, musicians, and colorful tableaux that illustrate the glorious past of Karnataka culture. Other elephants, horses, camels, and modern floats also join the parade giving out an awesome attraction.

Mysore Palace Illumination

During the thrilling nine-day festival, shining extremely magnificently with about palaces lighted with illumination decorations, over 100,000 bulbs light up the Mysore Palace in the evening every day of the festival. The palace’s lighting along with providing views of its elegant architecture and sprawling courtyards is used as a backdrop for cultural events like music and dance concerts and other performing arts including orchestral, captioning contemporary, and traditional dances.

Vjay Dashami Day

On the Tenth Day as it is called Vijayadashami, is the day when goddess Chamundeshwari killed Mahishasura. Hence, this day is said to be the ending of the festivities and it is believed that fresh businesses can be taken on this day. This is the day on which the royal sword is paraded in public with a grand procession called a Vijayadashami yatra.

Chamundhi Hill

Another prominent site to be visited during the festival is Chamundi Hill which is located at a close distance. Devotees rush to the top of the hill where there is a Chamundeshwari Temple to pray. People also go to the temple which is particularly devoted to the goddess and special puja during Dasara.

Dasara Exhibition

An important part of the celebration is always the Dasara Exhibition which has existed since 1880. This has been held at the Doddakere Maidan and exhibits a variety of stalls exhibiting crafts, clothes foods, and fun. There are also some cultural performances and educational activities as well as some funfairs for the kids within the exhibition.

Torchlight Parade: The ceremonies end with a glorious Torchlight Parade at the Banni Mantap grounds. There are different formations of housing and police military, different aspects of culture, and a great show of formation poles, fireworks, and many other things.

Cultural Festivities

Mysore Dasara is not merely a religious function; rather it is an exposition of cultural integration of the state. For the entire ten days, the city remains the center of a cornucopia of art and culture. Various events such as classical music events, Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance events, folk arts like Yakshaganga (plays acting), and puppet shows are held in different parts of Mysore. People from all over India gather for this event thus it is a cultural fest on national levels.

Another event associated with these celebrations is the Dasara Sports meet during which different sporting competitions are held both for local and national level athletes. Apart from that, there were also various wrestling contests held during this period owing to the culture of the Wodeyars, which gave a more sporty touch to the festival.