In photos: Mysuru's Dasara celebration

Dasara in Mysuru is a 10-day festival that culminates on Vijayadashami or the 10th day of Navratri, which marks the successful conclusion of the preceding nine days. It was kickstarted by President Droupadi Murmu this year.

The city celebrates this festival in a grand manner, with pomp and show.

If you ever happen to visit Mysuru during this time, you will get to witness beautifully decorated Elephants, horses and camels in a procession, which is a sight to behold.

Dasara celebrations in Mysore commenced on September 26 at 9 AM, and the final day, Vijayadasami, will be celebrated on October 5, 2022. The major highlights on the final day will include Jamboo Savari and Torchlight Parade.

While visitors can access most part of the celebrations free of cost, the most important events including the Torchlight Parade will require a ticket. One can also avail a VIP Gold Card, which will guarantee access to not only the parade, but also get separate seats and special offers. Do note that the VIP Gold Card will cost you around INR 4000 per person.

It’s interesting to note that Mysuru was earlier called Mahishur, and there is a beautiful story around this. As per the legends, Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hill, killed Mahishasura, the cruel buffalo-headed demon here, and this victory of good over evil is celebrated in a grand manner.

Several goddesses are worshipped here during the nine days of Navratri, followed by Vijayadashami on the 10th day of victory. If records are to go by, the festivities were first started in 1610 by the Wadiyar King.

During the festivities, the Mysore Palace is lit with 100,000 light bulbs and looks breathtakingly beautiful on all the 10 days.

The ninth day of Dasara is called Mahanavami, which is believed to be very auspicious and, on this day, special worship for the royal sword is carried out that is taken on a procession with elephants, royal horses and camels.

On Vijayadashami, the 10th day of Navratri, the Jamboo Savari or the procession is taken in the city’s streets, in which thousands of people gather to witness the same. The important part of this procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, which is worshipped by the royal couple, and then placed in a golden howdah over an elephant.

Many dance groups, illustrations, vibrant paintings, music troupes, decorated elephants, and horses are part of the procession which is a sight to behold. While the procession starts from the royal palace, it stops at Bannimantap, where the ‘Banni’ tree is worshipped.

Then, on the evening of the Vijayadashami, an event takes place at Bannimantap, known as Panjina Kavayithu or the torch-light parade, which also includes some stunts and dare-devil acts by trained and respected men of the Indian Army.

Apart from the processions at the end of Mysuru Dasara, several other events also take place during the 10 days. These events are unique and have been luring visitors from across the world for decades. Some of the events that are quite popular among visitors are film festivals, heritage and cycling tours, sporting events, pet shows, and much more.

From the procession and torch-light parade to illumination of the palace and the grandeur and beauty of these cultural events, everything is worth every penny and effort. Do not miss this extravaganza!