Imagine a royal family, adorned in regal splendour, 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 breathtakingly celebrate Dussehra or Dasara. 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.
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, honours the Goddess—considered the city's protector—with unparalleled fervour.
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:
Jumboo Savari
The Jumbo Savari is the grand finale of the Mysore Dasara festival, held on Vijayadashami, the last day of Navratri. The procession begins at the Mysore Palace and concludes at the Bannimantap grounds, covering approximately 5 kilometers. The highlight of the event is the golden howdah (ambari), weighing around 750 kilograms, placed on the lead elephant. Inside the howdah sits the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysore, worshipped with devotion before the procession begins.
The lead elephant, carefully chosen and trained for months, carries the sacred idol with pride. At the end of the Jumbo Savari, a symbolic ritual is performed at Bannimantap, where the Banni tree is worshipped. This tradition is linked to the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami (Banni) tree before the Kurukshetra war. The worship symbolizes courage, strength, and victory. Lakhs of spectators gather to witness this spectacular event, which is also broadcast nationwide.
Torchlight Parade
Torchlight Parade, or Panjina Kavayatthu, is the grand finale of the Mysore Dasara festival. This spectacular event takes place at the Bannimantap Parade Grounds, transforming the night into a mesmerizing display of lights, music, and military precision. Rooted in the Wodeyar dynasty's tradition, the Torchlight Parade was originally a military showcase meant to instil confidence among the people and demonstrate the state's military prowess. Over time, it has evolved into a cultural extravaganza that highlights the grandeur and heritage of Mysore.
- Military Demonstrations: The parade features impressive displays by various military units, including marching contingents and precision drills.
- Equestrian and Acrobatics Shows: Daredevil stunts by mounted police and acrobatic performances add thrill to the event.
- Laser and Drone Light Shows: In recent years, the parade has incorporated modern technology, with laser light shows and drone displays illuminating the night sky. The 2025 edition promises a grand drone show featuring 3,000 drones, showcasing intricate patterns and themes inspired by Mysore's heritage.
Other Main Events:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dasara Sports: Traditional sports like wrestling, kabaddi, and kho-kho are organized, reviving interest in these ancient games.
- Yuva Dasara: A series of events focused on youth, including rock concerts, fashion shows, and competitions, are organized to engage the younger generation.
When is Mysore Dasara festival?
This year, Dasara will be celebrated over 11 days, from September 22nd to October 2nd, as the rare occurrence of a two-day Panchami Tithi adds an extra day to the festivities.
On 22nd September, Navratri 2025 begins with the grand inauguration of the Dasara festivities on Chamundi Hill. The celebrations open with a sacred Pooja dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, along with the observance of Jayalakshmi Vratacharane. Later, at 5:00 PM, the Cultural Programme will be inaugurated at the Mysore Palace Grounds.
Day-wise Schedule of Navaratri Poojas:
- September 23, 2025 – Brahmacharini Pooja (Prathama)
- September 24, 2025 – Chandraghanta Pooja (Dwitiya)
- September 25, 2025 – Kooshmanda Pooja (Tritiya)
- September 26, 2025 – Skanda Mata Pooja (Chaturthi)
- September 27, 2025 – Katyayini Pooja (Panchami)
- September 28, 2025 – Siddhi Dhatri Pooja (Shashti)
- September 29, 2025 – Saraswati Pooja and Kalaratri Mahishasura Samhara Tithi (Saptami)
- September 30, 2025 – Durga Ashtami (Ashtami)
- October 1, 2025 – Maha Navami: Ayudha Pooja, Gaja Ashwaadhi Pooja, Hayagreeva Pooja, Amalu Devata Pooja, and Mahagowri Pooja (Navami)
- October 2, 2025 – Vijayadashami: The Chief Minister and dignitaries will pay floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari, placed in the 750-kg Golden Howdah, between 4:42 PM and 5:06 PM.
The festivities conclude with the spectacular Torchlight Parade on October 2, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Bannimantapa, marking the grand finale of Mysuru Dasara 2025.
Mysore Dasara is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of history, culture, and the enduring legacy of the Wodeyar's. 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.
