Imagine a royal family, adorned in regal splendor, steeped in the traditions passed down through generations. In the heart of Mysuru, a city where history breathes in every corner, the Mysore Dasara festival unfolds each year with unmatched grandeur. Mysore Dasara, often called "Nada Habba", is the state festival of Karnataka. They celebrate Dussehra or Dasara in a breathtaking manner. This ten-day festival culminates on Vijayadashami, marking the grand finale of the festivities. Held annually in the city of Mysuru (Mysore), this festival is a dazzling display of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage, history, and traditions.
When is Mysore Dasara festival?
This year, the festival will take place in Mysore from October 3rd to October 12th, 2024.
Historical Significance of Mysore Dasara
The roots of Mysore Dasara can be traced back to the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th-15th century, where it was celebrated as Mahanavami. Although the exact origins of the festival remain uncertain, its historical significance is evident in the relief artwork on the outer wall of the Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi. Traditionally, Dasara was an occasion for kings to display their military might and host a grand durbar (royal court) attended by nobles, dignitaries, and representatives from other kingdoms.
In 1805, during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, the tradition of holding a grand procession with elephants was introduced. The golden howdah used during the procession, weighing around 750 kg, was also established during this period. This marked the beginning of the Mysore Dasara celebrations as we know them today, blending religious devotion with royal pageantry.
Why is Mysore Dasara Celebrated So Grandly?
Mysore Dasara is celebrated with grandiosity for both historical and cultural reasons. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, embodied in Goddess Chamundeshwari's victory over the demon Mahishasura. The city of Mysuru, named after this demon, honors the Goddess—considered the city's protector—with unparalleled fervor.
The Wodeyars of Mysore, who ruled for centuries, began celebrating Dasara in the 15th century as a private event. Over time, it evolved into a public celebration under royal patronage, showcasing the kings' power, wealth, and devotion to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Even after the monarchy ended, the state government and the royal family continued to organize the event, preserving its grandeur.
The Mysore Palace, the epicenter of the festivities, is illuminated with over 100,000 light bulbs each evening, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The celebrations span ten days and culminate in a grand procession known as the "Jumboo Savari", where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a richly decorated golden howdah mounted on a majestic elephant.
Mysore Dasara Celebration Events
The ten-day Mysore Dasara festival is filled with a variety of celebrations and events:
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Jumboo Savari: The grand procession on Vijayadashami, the last day of Dasara, is the highlight of the festival. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in a golden howdah and carried on an elephant through the streets of Mysuru, accompanied by a parade of beautifully decorated elephants, horses, and camels, along with folk dancers, musicians, and tableaux representing different states of India.
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Religious Rituals: Various rituals and pujas are performed at the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill and other temples in the region. The royal family also participates in special ceremonies, maintaining the age-old traditions.
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Torchlight Parade: Held at the Bannimantap Grounds on the final day, this event features a stunning display of fireworks, acrobatic performances, and the traditional burning of an effigy of the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
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Mysore Palace Illumination: The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights every evening, creating a breathtaking sight that draws crowds from far and wide.
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Cultural Programs: Various cultural performances, including classical music concerts, dance recitals, and folk-art shows, are held at different venues across the city. The festival provides a platform for artists from all over India to showcase their talents.
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Dasara Sports: Traditional sports like wrestling, kabaddi, and kho-kho are organized, reviving interest in these ancient games.
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Dasara Exhibition: This month-long exhibition is a major attraction, offering a variety of stalls selling handicrafts, textiles, and local delicacies, alongside amusement rides and games.
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Yuva Dasara: A series of events focused on youth, including rock concerts, fashion shows, and competitions, are organized to engage the younger generation.
Update: The Karnataka government has planned to celebrate this year's Dasara festival with exceptional grandeur. A key attraction of the festival, the Jumboo Savari procession, will include 14 elephants. In preparation, a group of elephants led by Abhimanyu, including Kanjan, Ekalavya, Bheema, Lakshmi, Varalakshmi, Rohith, Dhananjaya, and Gopi, have already been sent to Mysuru.
Mysore Dasara is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of history, culture, and the enduring legacy of the Wodeyars. It’s a festival of unparalleled grandeur, where tradition and modernity merge in a spectacular display of devotion and artistry. From the mesmerizing illumination of Mysore Palace to the grand Jumboo Savari procession, every moment of this ten-day festival is a feast for the senses.