About Mysore Dasara |
| Event | Mysore Dasara |
| Location | Mysore |
| State | Karnataka |
| Category | Festival |
| Date | Oct 03, 2024 |
| Main Attraction | The highlight is the traditional procession on the last day of the festival. |
| Overview/History | Mysore Dasara is the state festival of Karnataka and is celebrated on a grand scale. It is celebrated in the month of September or October. The festival is celebrated for ten days with the last day being 'Vijayadashami', which is the most auspicious day of the festival. As per legend, the last day symbolizes victory of good over evil, as it was the day when Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon Mahishasura. The Mysore city has a very old tradition of celebrating the Dasara festival; recently in 2010 it completed its 400th anniversary. The Mysore Dasara celebrations were first started in 15th Century by the Vijayanagar Kings. After their Kingdom fell, the Wodeyar's of Mysore, Raja Wodeyar I continued the Dasara in the year 1610. During the Mysore Dasara, various events take place at various locations like auditoriums, Mysore Palace, exhibition grounds, etc. These events attract a large number of audience both Indian and foreigners. |
| Celebration | The Mysore Dasara celebrations carry on for full ten days. Each night the Mysore Palace remains spectacularly illuminated during the Dasara. The celebrations begin with the royal couple offering a special Puja to Goddess Chamundeshwari in the Chamundi Temple which is situated atop Chamundi Hill in Mysore. After this a special private durbar i.e. royal assembly is held at the Mysore palace. During the festival several dance performances and music concerts are held in auditoriums and other venues. Wrestling competitions and food festivals are also organized. The Dasara exhibition starts during the festival and lasts till December. Various stalls sell all kinds of handicrafts, ornaments, clothing, cosmetics, eatables, etc along with games and amusement rides at the exhibition. |
