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Description
Mysore Dasara is also a festival that reflects the city’s royal heritage. The Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore took the festival to new heights of grandeur in the 17th century, turning it into a royal spectacle. The Mysore Palace is at the heart of the celebrations, illuminated with over 100,000 bulbs, creating a sight of sheer brilliance. The royal family continues to participate in the rituals and traditions, adding to the festival’s regal charm.
The crowning moment of the festival is the Jumbo Savari, a majestic procession where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a beautifully decorated elephant through the city streets. Accompanied by traditional music, dance troupes, and cultural tableaux, this grand procession is a visual treat, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil in the most magnificent way.
History
Mysore Dasara has roots that stretch back over 400 years. It was first celebrated by the Vijayanagara Kings in the 15th century, but it gained prominence under the Wodeyar dynasty in the 17th century. Raja Wodeyar, in 1610, established the tradition of celebrating Dasara as a state festival to honor Goddess Chamundeshwari, a manifestation of Durga, who is believed to have slain the demon Mahishasura, after whom Mysore is named.
The grand festivities that we witness today are deeply intertwined with the region’s royal past. The Wodeyars made it a point to showcase the grandeur of their kingdom through this festival. The Mysore Palace, which comes alive with thousands of lights during Dasara, has remained a symbolic venue for this royal celebration. The ten-day event culminates in the spectacular Jumbo Savari, where the grand procession of the royal elephant carrying the golden howdah (a throne-like structure) with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari winds its way through the streets of Mysore.
How To Celebrate
- Visit the Mysore Palace: The palace is the heart of the Dasara celebrations. Be sure to witness the grand illumination of the palace, which happens every evening during the festival. The sight of the magnificent structure glowing under the night sky is one you won’t forget.
- Watch the Jumbo Savari: The Dasara procession, or Jumbo Savari, is the most awaited event of the festival. The procession, featuring the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari atop a richly decorated elephant, winds its way from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantap. Make sure to grab a good spot along the procession route to witness the colorful spectacle.
- Explore Cultural Events: Mysore Dasara is not just about the royal procession. The city hosts a range of cultural events, including classical music and dance performances, wrestling competitions, and traditional games. These events offer a deeper understanding of Karnataka’s rich traditions.
- Visit the Dasara Exhibition: The exhibition, held at the exhibition grounds, is a must-visit. From stalls selling local handicrafts and food to amusement rides for kids, it’s a fun place to spend an evening.
- Partake in Traditional Rituals: Visit the Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill, where special pujas are held during Dasara. Many locals also perform Ayudha Puja, a ritual where tools, vehicles, and weapons are worshipped to seek blessings for the coming year.
Amazing Facts
Mysore Dasara is one of the grandest festivals in India, captivating people with its royal splendor, cultural richness, and spiritual significance. While many are aware of its grandeur, there are several fascinating facts that make this festival truly extraordinary.
1. Over 400 Years of Royal Tradition
Mysore Dasara has been celebrated for more than 400 years! The festival was first grandly organized by the Wodeyar dynasty in 1610 under Raja Wodeyar. Today, the festival continues to uphold its royal traditions, with the Mysore royal family playing a central role in the festivities.
2. The Palace Illuminates with 100,000 Lights
During Mysore Dasara, the Mysore Palace comes alive with over 100,000 light bulbs, illuminating the entire palace in the evenings. The sight is so magical that it draws visitors from all over the world. The palace illumination lasts for the entire 10 days of the festival, offering a breathtaking view that adds to the festival’s charm.
3. A Grand Procession with a Golden Howdah
One of the most iconic symbols of Mysore Dasara is the Jumbo Savari, a grand procession featuring elephants, with one of them carrying the golden howdah. This howdah weighs around 750 kg and is made of solid gold. It carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysore, symbolizing her victory over the demon Mahishasura.
4. A Festival with a Mythological Connection
The festival commemorates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Durga, over Mahishasura, the demon king after whom Mysore is named. The legend of Mahishasura’s defeat is central to the festival’s theme, highlighting the victory of good over evil, a message that resonates throughout the celebrations.
5. Dasara Exhibition: 75+ Years of Fun
One of the lesser-known but fascinating facts is that the Dasara Exhibition has been an integral part of the celebrations for over 75 years. This large-scale exhibition features everything from local crafts and food to amusement rides and games. It’s a bustling hub of entertainment and fun that complements the more traditional aspects of the festival.
6. Largest Gathering of Decorated Elephants
Mysore Dasara is home to one of the largest gatherings of decorated elephants for a festival. These elephants, mainly sourced from nearby forests, are bathed, dressed, and painted in intricate designs for the grand procession. The lead elephant, known as the Ambari Elephant, carries the golden howdah and becomes the highlight of the procession.
Why We Love
Mysore Dasara is not just a festival; it’s a spectacle of tradition, heritage, and unmatched grandeur. For over 400 years, this ten-day celebration has captured the hearts of millions, becoming one of the most anticipated events in India. What makes Mysore Dasara so special? Let’s dive into why we love this festival and why it’s a perfect occasion to boast about!
1. A Royal Celebration Like No Other
What truly sets Mysore Dasara apart is its royal heritage. The festival is steeped in the regal traditions of the Wodeyar dynasty, which has made the celebration a dazzling reflection of Mysore’s rich history. The Mysore Palace illuminated with over 100,000 lights every night during Dasara is an awe-inspiring sight that makes the city shine like a jewel. The grandeur of the palace, combined with the participation of the royal family in religious rituals and events, gives the festival a unique charm that’s hard to find anywhere else.
2. The Jumbo Savari: A Procession of Grandeur
The Jumbo Savari, Mysore Dasara’s grand elephant procession, is one of the most iconic aspects of the festival. The centerpiece is a richly adorned elephant carrying the golden howdah, weighing a whopping 750 kg, which holds the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The procession includes caparisoned elephants, vibrant dance troupes, traditional music, and decorated chariots, creating a majestic display of culture and artistry.
3. A Cultural Extravaganza
Mysore Dasara is also a cultural carnival. From classical music and dance performances to folk arts and sports competitions, the festival showcases the rich diversity of Karnataka’s cultural heritage. The streets and venues of Mysore come alive with concerts, drama performances, wrestling matches, and artistic displays, offering something for everyone.
4. Mysore Palace Illumination: A Magical Sight
One of the most breathtaking aspects of Mysore Dasara is the nightly illumination of the Mysore Palace. As the palace lights up with over 100,000 bulbs, the entire city is transformed into a radiant celebration of light. This dazzling display attracts thousands of visitors, leaving everyone awestruck by the sheer magnificence of the sight.
5. The Dasara Exhibition: Fun for All Ages
The Dasara Exhibition, held annually during the festival, offers a fun-filled experience for people of all ages. It’s a sprawling fair with stalls selling local crafts, food, and an array of amusement rides, games, and entertainment options. The exhibition showcases Karnataka’s industries, agriculture, and technology, making it a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
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