Mysore Dasara is a great event in Karnataka State, South India. It is also a world famous festival. The city of Mysore will look at its best during this festival for 10 days, with all the major roads in the city, heritage buildings, palaces, historical monuments, ancient temples and shops illuminated.
According to the legends, Dasara is celebrated as a victory of Goddess Chamundeswari over the demon Mahishasura. The 10th day is Vijayadashami, which is symbolically celebrated as the victory of good over evil.
This historical festival started during the period of Vijayanagar Kingdom in 15th century. Later, the Mysore Wodeyars carried over the tradition of Vijayanagara rulers. After the fall of Tipu Sulthan, the Wodeyars shifted to Mysore and continued the tradition. The Dasara festivities are held at the Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Kalamandira and the Town hall. Renowned artists in classical music, dance and folk perform during this festival. Apart from cultural events, sports and wrestling events are also there to entertain the viewers. However, the main attractions of Dasara are the colourful procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari on the decorated royal elephant, torchlight parade and the exotic fireworks at Bannimantap and exhibition.
Dasara (Navaratri) starts on the first day of Ashwija month, which is 19th of September this year and lasts for 10 days and it ends with the world famous Jambu Savari on the last day. Colourful tableaux, folk dancers, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession. Dolls are also arranged in the houses in an artistic way, and illuminated.
The Dasara festival reached its glory in 1610 when Raja Wodeyar ascended the historic golden throne of Vijayanagar kingdom and inaugurated the Dasara festivities at Srirangapatna.
Mysore Dasara was started as a religious ceremony during the days of the Maharajas, but later underwent considerable changes and finally evolved as a socio-cultural festival of the people of Karnataka. It is also called as 'Naada Habba' or the State Festival.
The grandeur and magnificence of this event attract tourists from all over the world. Learn more about the interesting festivals of South India in this eBook.
