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Mysore Dasara is the ‘Naada Habba’ (State festival) of Karnataka State, and Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during the Dasara period. Dasara festival can be traced back to the Puranas and is widely observed across India, in the south it achieved its special prominence under Vijayanagar Kings in 15th Century. The Wodeyars of Mysore continued this colorful & religious celebration under the leadership of Raja Wodeyar in the year 1610 at Srirangapatanam. Dasara is also known as the 'Navarathri' (meaning nine-nights), where nine days of worship & celebration culminate on the 10th day, known as 'Vijaydashami', that usually falls in the months of September-October.
Dasara palace ceremonies are largely a private affair of the royal family, witnessed by a select audience. Clad in royal attire and traditional headgear, His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, the scion of the royal family, ascends the seven steps to the golden throne - which is assembled according to religious instructions - at a preordained hour and receives obeisance from the public. Court musicians then play the signature tune composed to commemorate the assumption of power by the Wodeyars.
During Dasara, the brightly illuminated Mysore Palace and the entire city is a sight to behold. Various cultural and religious programs highlighting the dance, music and culture of the State of Karnataka are performed in front of the illuminated Palace. Musicians and dancers from other States are also invited to give performances. Dasara celebrations commence with a pooja performed to the Goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi Hills in the presence of the Wodeyar royal couple, Ministers & high-ranking officials in the Government of Karnataka, and other invitees.
The State Government arranges music, dance, and folk dance performances, flower and doll shows. Another attraction is the wrestling tournament which is held in the Devraj Urs stadium adjoining the Dasara exhibition grounds. Wrestlers from around India participate in this tournament, which attracts a sizable audience. And also a Food and Film festival is also organized.
One of the main attractions of the festival is the Dasara exhibition which starts during the Dasara and continues for around two months. It is held at the Doddakere Maidan opposite to the Mysore Palace, and contains stalls selling articles like clothing, plastic and glass ware, food stalls, stalls highlighting the various departments of Government of Karnataka, and also a play area where people can participate in games and amusement rides.
The conclusion of the Dasara celebrations is marked by a colorful Dasara procession, popularly known as Jamboo Savari. The grandeur and magnificence of this event has popularized the Mysore Dasara world over. The main attraction of the Dasara procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari which is carried in a Golden howdah weighing over 750 kg on top of an elephant. Pre-independence, practice was that the king himself would lead the procession seated upon Golden howdah on the royal elephant back.
History
Legends has it that in the ancient times, Goddess Chamundeshwari killed demon Mahishasura. The day on which the demon was killed by the Goddess, came to be known as ‘Vijaydashmi’. Vijaydashmi falls on the last day of the Dasara festival.
The festival has been an annual affair at Mysore since the 15th century. Celebrations of this event were first started by the kings of the prestigious Vijayanagar kingdom. Then it got continued by the Wodeyar rulers of Mysore and hence turned into a royal festival.
South India is a region that is spread with spectacular temples, forts and beautiful monuments galore that stand as a result of many powerful dynasties that ruled over these lands. Culturally rich South India celebrates its spirituality by celebrating festivals in various forms. Some of these festivals are exclusive for the particular region, while the other festivals, like Mysore Dasara, are celebrated with so much grandeur that they have become almost synonymous with the place. Read about these 6 important festivals of South India. Each and every festival in South India has a long history and unique origin, which enhances its value and tremendous importance. Being religious or secular in nature, every South Indian Festival has a deep meaning, often connected with the lessons of life and happiness.
