Mysore Dasara is a 10-day Hindu festival celebrated in the city of Mysuru in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular and grandly celebrated festivals in India, and is known for its vibrant cultural events, majestic processions, and dazzling illuminations.
The festival is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil, as represented by the triumph of the goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura. It is also a time to celebrate the harvest season and to thank the gods for their blessings.
The Mysore Dasara celebrations begin on the first day of Navratri, a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. The festival culminates on the tenth day, Vijayadashami, which marks the victory of good over evil.
On the first day of Dasara, the royal flag of the Wodeyar dynasty is hoisted at the Mysore Palace, signifying the beginning of the festivities. The next nine days are marked by a variety of cultural events, including music and dance performances, plays, and exhibitions.
One of the highlights of the Mysore Dasara celebrations is the Jamboo Savari, or elephant procession. On Vijayadashami, a golden howdah (palanquin) is placed on the back of a majestic elephant, which carries the idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari through the streets of Mysuru. The procession is followed by a troupe of dancers, musicians, and folk artists.
The Mysore Dasara celebrations also feature a variety of other attractions, including the Mysore Palace illuminations, the Dasara Food Mela, and the Mysore Handicraft Expo.
The Mysore Dasara festival is a unique and captivating experience that showcases the rich culture and heritage of India. It is a time for people of all faiths and backgrounds to come together and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
History of Mysore Dasara
The Mysore Dasara festival has a long and rich history dating back to the 10th century. The festival was originally celebrated by the Wodeyar dynasty, which ruled over Mysuru for over 600 years.
The Wodeyar kings were great patrons of the arts and culture, and they made Mysore Dasara one of the most grandly celebrated festivals in India. The festival was also a time to showcase the power and prestige of the Wodeyar dynasty.
After the fall of the Wodeyar dynasty in 1947, the Mysore Dasara festival continued to be celebrated by the government of Karnataka. The festival has grown in popularity over the years, and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in India.
Cultural Significance of Mysore Dasara
The Mysore Dasara festival is a celebration of the Hindu religion and culture. It is also a time to celebrate the harvest season and to thank the gods for their blessings.
The festival is a reminder of the importance of victory of good over evil. It is also a time to come together as a community and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of India.
Mysore Dasara Celebrations
The Mysore Dasara celebrations begin on the first day of Navratri, a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. The festival culminates on the tenth day, Vijayadashami, which marks the victory of good over evil.
On the first day of Dasara, the royal flag of the Wodeyar dynasty is hoisted at the Mysore Palace, signifying the beginning of the festivities. The next nine days are marked by a variety of cultural events, including music and dance performances, plays, and exhibitions.
One of the highlights of the Mysore Dasara celebrations is the Jamboo Savari, or elephant procession. On Vijayadashami, a golden howdah (palanquin) is placed on the back of a majestic elephant, which carries the idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari through the streets of Mysuru. The procession is followed by a troupe of dancers, musicians, and folk artists.
The Mysore Dasara celebrations also feature a variety of other attractions, including the Mysore Palace illuminations, the Dasara Food Mela, and the Mysore Handicraft Expo.
Mysore Dasara Illuminations
The Mysore Palace illuminations are one of the most popular attractions of the Mysore Dasara festival. The palace is decorated with over 100,000 bulbs, which create a dazzling display of light and color.
The Mysore Palace illuminations are turned on every evening during the Dasara festival. Visitors can walk around the palace grounds and admire the beautiful lights.
Dasara Food Mela
The Dasara Food Mela is a food festival that is held during the Mysore Dasara festival. The festival features a variety of food stalls from all over India, serving a wide range of dishes.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes at the Dasara Food Mela, including:
- Mysore Masala Dosa
- Benne Dosa
- Jolada Rotti
- Akki Roti
- Puliyogare
- Curd Rice
- Biryani
- Kebabs
- Tandoori Chicken
- Chaats
- Sweets
The Dasara Food Mela is a great place to try a variety of Indian cuisines. The food is delicious and affordable, and the atmosphere is lively and festive.
Mysore Handicraft Expo
The Mysore Handicraft Expo is a handicraft fair that is held during the Mysore Dasara festival. The fair features a variety of stalls selling handicrafts from all over India.
Visitors can buy a variety of handicrafts at the Mysore Handicraft Expo, including:
- Sandalwood products
- Silk sarees
- Mysore paintings
- Stone carvings
- Wood carvings
- Metalware
- Textiles
The Mysore Handicraft Expo is a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts. The handicrafts are of high quality and the prices are reasonable.
The Mysore Dasara festival is a unique and captivating experience that showcases the rich culture and heritage of India. It is a time for people of all faiths and backgrounds to come together and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
The festival is marked by a variety of cultural events, including music and dance performances, plays, and exhibitions. The highlight of the festival is the Jamboo Savari, or elephant procession, which takes place on Vijayadashami.
The Mysore Dasara festival also features a variety of other attractions, including the Mysore Palace illuminations, the Dasara Food Mela, and the Mysore Handicraft Expo.
If you are looking for a cultural experience of a lifetime, be sure to visit Mysore during the Dasara festival.
