Vijaydashmi, which is famous across India for its splendor celebrations, is regarded as Mysore Dasara festival in Karnataka. It starts with the arrival of Navratri and after 9 days of worshipping all the 9 avatars of Goddess Durga, the 10th day is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil.
As per the Hindu mythology, this was the day when demon Mahishasura was killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari, an avatar of Goddess Durga. Talking specifically about Mysore, also known as Mysuru, Dasara is an official festival of Kartnataka and is quite different from the way it’s celebrated in the rest of the country.
A highlighting factor of Karnataka’s Dasara that makes it utterly grand is the fact that the Mysuru Palace is lit up with 1,00,000 lights bulbs every night from 7 to 10 pm throughout the 10-day extravaganza.
Mysore Dasara Procession (Image Courtesy: India.com)
The history of Mysore Dasara dates back to 1610 when the festivities were carried out for the very first time by the Wadiyar King, Raja Wadiyar I. In fact, the festival has great significance in the city’s history that it Mysuru has got its name from the demon Mahishasuruana Ooru.
Started by Wadiyar I, the tradition is still carried on every year by the royal family. During the festival, a private durbar is held and the royal sword is worshipped after which it is taken on a procession involving elephants, camels, and horses.
The royal procession is a major point of attraction for the citizen as it proceeds on the streets of Mysore. In this, the idol of Goddess is placed on the top of a decorated elephant. Starting from the Mysuru Palace, the procession is studded with colorful tableaux, dance groups, folklores, etc and ends at Bannimantap where the Banni tree is worshipped.
Mysore Dasara Exhibition (Image Courtesy: mysoreonline.in)
Another major part of the Mysore Dasara celebration takes place in the form of exhibition which is enjoyed by the public. Commencing during Dasara, the event goes on till December. It is marked by the presence of sale of items like clothes, food items, kitchenware, etc. Besides, certain stalls are arranged by government agencies, whereby government projects and achievements are displayed.
