Mysuru Dasara 2024: A Royal Celebration of Dussehra Traditions in Karnataka

Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. While northern and western states focus on Lord Rama's victory—the performance of Ram Lila showcases this—it marks Lord Rama's conquest over Ravana as depicted in the Ramayana. In contrast, the eastern and southern regions celebrate the valor of Goddess Durga(Chamundeshwari). The narrative of Durga defeating Mahishasura with her trident highlights her epithet, Mahishasuramardini, meaning "Slayer of Mahishasura." 

However, the celebration of Dussehra reaches unparalleled heights in Mysuru, Karnataka, where it is referred to as Mysuru Dasara. Mysuru Dasara, also known as Nadahabba or the State Festival of Karnataka, is one of the most spectacular Dussehra celebrations in India. This grand festival, celebrated for centuries, symbolizes the power of righteousness and the divine strength that conquers evil. It is renowned not only for its religious significance but also for the grandeur with which it is observed. This 10-day royal festival, led by the Mysuru royal family, attracts people from across the globe, making it a remarkable cultural event.

The History and Significance of Mysuru Dasara

The Mysuru Dasara has a deep-rooted historical connection that dates back to the times of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Initially called Mahanavami, it was during this era that the royal celebrations began, as reflected in the artwork of the Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi. The Wodeyars, the royal family of Mysuru, continued this tradition, making it the grand affair it is today. The first recorded celebration of Mysuru Dasara by the Wodeyars took place in 1610 under Raja Wodeyar I in Srirangapatna.

The Wodeyars' Dasara celebrations continued even after the British colonial era, preserving the tradition and ensuring that the royal legacy remained an integral part of Karnataka's culture. In 1805, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III introduced the practice of holding a special Durbar in the Mysuru Palace, which attracted royal families, dignitaries, and the general public. Even after the demise of Srikantadatta Wadiyar in 2013, the tradition persisted. In 2015, Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar resumed the royal festivities and continues to preside over the celebrations today.

Vijayadashami, the culmination of the festival, not only symbolizes the victory of Goddess Durga but also signifies the triumph of the king and his subjects in governance and daily life.

Highlights of Mysuru Dasara 2024

The grandeur of Mysuru Dasara lies in its vibrant events, religious rituals, and majestic processions. Here’s a breakdown of what each day signifies during this historic festival:

Day 1: Inauguration and Chamundeshwari Pooja (03-10-2024)

Inauguration and Pooja to Goddess Chamundeshwari: The festival begins with a sacred pooja at the Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill. The pooja is performed during an auspicious time, marking the official start of the celebrations.

Cultural Program Inauguration: In the evening, a series of cultural events will be inaugurated at the Mysore Palace.  The city of Mysuru transforms into a vibrant spectacle of lights, music, and festivity.

Many events are organized, with key highlights including the Flower Show, Film Festival, and Book Mela.

Day 2 to 8: Navaratri Celebrations(04-10-2024 to 10-10-2024)

The early days of Navaratri are dedicated to worshiping Goddess Durga in her various forms. Cultural programs, traditional dances, and music performances are held at the palace. The city is alive with lights, decorations, and the sound of festivities, preparing for the grand culmination.

Day 9: Mahanavami(11-10-2024)

Mahanavami is the ninth day of the festival and is one of the most important days of Mysore Dasara. The royal family performs a special puja in honor of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysore, at the Chamundi Hill Temple. This day commemorates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over Mahishasura.

A grand military parade, showcasing the strength and valor of the royal forces, is held in the Mysore Palace grounds. Elephants, horses, and royal guards participate in this parade, reflecting the city's regal heritage.

Ayudha Puja, Gajashwadhi Puja, Hayagreeva Puja and Amalu Devata Puja is done on this day. This is a day when tools, weapons, vehicles, and even books are worshiped as symbols of the divine. The royal family of Mysore continues this tradition by worshiping the royal sword, a ritual that takes place within the Mysore Palace.

In the city, people worship their vehicles, machinery, and instruments, seeking blessings for success and prosperity in their work

Day 10:Vijayadashami (12-10-2024) 

The tenth day, Vijayadashami, is the grand celebration of the Mysuru Dasara festival. Vijayadashami marks the day when Goddess Chamundeshwari slayed the demon Mahishasura. The day starts with a traditional pooja performed by the royal family, and the streets of Mysuru come alive with the Jamboo Savari procession. The procession, which begins at the Mysore Palace, features a majestic idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed on a golden mantapa atop(Chinnadha Ambari) a beautifully adorned elephant. The procession travels through the city, culminating at Bannimantap, where the banni tree (Prosopis spicigera) is worshipped.

The banni tree(Shami tree) holds great significance in Indian mythology, particularly in the epic Mahabharata, where the Pandavas hid their weapons during their incognito exile. The tree symbolizes victory and is worshipped by the royal family before any battle. As part of the procession, colorful tableaux, dance groups, and music bands accompany the idol, creating a vibrant atmosphere that attracts thousands of spectators from around the world.

In the evening, the celebration continues with a spectacular torchlight parade at the Bannimantap Grounds, known as Panjina Kavayatthu. The torchlight parade is a visual delight, showcasing traditional military formations, daredevil stunts, and fireworks, bringing the festival to a grand conclusion.

The Royal Splendor of Mysuru Dasara

1. Cultural Tradition of Mysuru Dasara

Apart from its religious importance, Mysuru Dasara is also a celebration of Karnataka's rich cultural heritage. The city is adorned with lights, and the Mysore Palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000+ bulbs every evening during the festival, creating a mesmerizing view. Cultural performances, including classical dance, music, and folk art, are held in front of the palace, showcasing the diverse cultural landscape of the state.

The Dasara Jumbos, the majestic elephants that participate in the procession, are an iconic part of the festival. In 2024, 12 elephants, known as Dasara Jumbos, will be part of the grand procession. These elephants undergo special training and rehearsals, walking the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day in preparation for the grand event.

2. Mysuru Dasara Exhibition

The Dasara Exhibition at Doddakere Maidan, organized by the Karnataka Exhibition Authority, is another highlight of the festival. The exhibition features stalls from public and private sector industries, government departments, and local artisans, promoting business and showcasing traditional crafts.

Visitors also get to enjoy a food festival, a film festival, wrestling matches, and a poet’s meet, all of which add to the vibrant atmosphere of Mysuru during this time. The grandeur of Mysore Dasara attracts tourists from across the globe, with many coming just to witness the beauty of the illuminated palace and the royal procession.

3. Mysore Dasara 2024 - Illuminating the City

The beauty of Mysuru Dasara lies not just in its rituals but also in its visual grandeur. The entire city of Mysuru is illuminated, with the palace being the focal point of these decorations. Nearly ₹1 crore is spent annually on maintaining the palace’s illumination alone. This stunning display of lights attracts visitors from around the globe, making Mysuru a top destination during Dussehra.

Mysuru will glow brightly for 21 days during the Dasara celebrations, with illuminations stretching across 130 kilometers, lighting up 100 circles, and featuring 65 replicas. Additionally, around 25 key locations, including various offices, will be beautifully decorated with special lighting displays, featuring highlights such as Hasiru Chappara and Welcome Arches. Even after Dasara concludes, these lights will remain for an extra 10 days. The entire lighting project is carried out with a budget of ₹6.5 crores.

The official inauguration of the illuminations will take place on October 3rd at 6:30 PM on Sayyaji Rao Road, and the event will be graced by Minister K.J. George.

4. Yuva Dasara Program Schedule

The Yuva Dasara cultural events will run from October 6th to October 10th, starting at 6:00 PM each evening. This year’s event will showcase performances by renowned artists

Venue:

The Yuva Dasara programs will be held at Jwalamukhi Tripura Sundari Temple, near Uttanahalli on the Mysore-Nanjangud Road.

Tickets are available online starting from September 27th. You can purchase them through the official Mysore Dasara website or BookMyShow:

Website: mysoredasara.gov.in  

5. Mysuru Dasara 2024 Drone Show by Botlab: A Spectacular Visual Experience

This year, Mysuru Dasara is set to dazzle audiences with a breathtaking drone show, organized by India’s premier drone show company, Botlab Dynamics. As part of the grand celebrations, Botlab will light up the Mysuru skies with 1,500 drones, all equipped with LED bulbs to create a mesmerizing visual spectacle. This cutting-edge show, executed with a budget ranging between ₹2.5 to ₹3 crores, is expected to be one of the highlights of Dasara, visible up to a 1-kilometer radius.

Show Dates and Timings

October 6th and 7th: Free for the public from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM.

October 11th: Torch Light Parade Rehearsal Pass is mandatory for entry, with the show running from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM.

October 12th: Torch Light Parade Pass is mandatory to witness the show from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM.

Make sure to catch this awe-inspiring event, as the drones choreograph captivating visuals in the night sky, turning Mysuru Dasara 2024 into an unforgettable celebration of technology and tradition!

Why Visit Mysuru Dasara in 2024?

Mysuru Dasara is more than just a religious celebration; it is a vibrant cultural and royal spectacle that brings the entire city to life. Whether you're drawn to the spiritual aspects of the festival, the grandeur of the royal procession, or the cultural performances, Mysuru Dasara offers a unique experience for every visitor. In 2024, the festival promises to be more grand and spectacular than ever, making it the perfect time to witness this magnificent event.

Plan your trip to Mysuru for Dussehra 2024 and enjoy yourself in the festive atmosphere, the illuminated palace, and the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.

Happy Dasara!!

Pic: @yaarig_gottu