From Jambu Savari to Torchlight Parade: Know why Mysore Dasara is famous-

Mysore Dasara is one of the popular and auspicious festivals celebrated during Navratri. It spans ten consecutive days, commencing on the first day of Navratri and culminating on Vijayadashami, making it a highly anticipated event in the city of Mysore. Tourists not only from India but also across the world come to Mysore to witness this grand festival.

 

 

The word Mysuru is a corrupted version of “mysooru“, which is derived from the word “mahishur” or "Mahishasurana Ooru", which means the town of Mahishasura in Kannada, the local language. Mysuru has been associated with the Puranic story found in the Devi Bhagavatha. According to the story in the Devi Purana, Mysuru was ruled by the demon King Mahishasura who was a buffalo-headed monster. In response to the prayer by the Gods and Goddesses to save them from the demon, Goddess Parvathi, took birth as Chamundeshwari and killed the monster on top of the Chamundi hill near Mysuru. Hence the hill and the city have the names Chamundi Hill and Mysuru respectively.

 

 

Mysore Dasara started from 1610 when Raja Wadiya started this celebration for ten long days. They started many events such as cultural events and entertainment events and added many more traditions to it.

 

 

There is a grand parade held on Vijayadashami day, which marks the most significant aspect of this grand festival. However, there are total of three grand processions during Mysore Dasara.

 

People celebrate the first procession on Maha Navami day. On this day, people worship the royal sword and this procession is carried out with horses, camels, elephants, dancers and others. Everyone associated with this festival, participates in this procession and enjoys it.

 

The Jambu Savari or the Elephant procession is one of the most prominent events of this festival. During this procession, 12 trained elephants adorned with colourful attire are taken around the streets. One of them carries Chamundeshwari’s idol atop a golden mandap. The procession starts from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantap. Performances like traditional dances, musicals, and displays of swordsmanship can be witnessed throughout the procession – indeed a sight to behold. As it travels through the city streets, it spreads zeal and joy throughout the city.

 

 

The Jambu Savari parade comes to a halt at the sprawling Bannimantap Grounds with a welcoming torchlight parade. This dazzling parade displays the grandeur of the former rules while offering a glimpse of the state’s glorious history. There are spectacular fireworks, bike shows, cultural programs, and laser shows that will leave you spellbound. It is the most integral part of the festival that brings down the curtains for this 10-day Mysuru Dasara celebration.

 

 

 

During this cultural extravaganza, the Mysore palace (the royal residence and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore) is illuminated with thousands of lights, making it a treat to the visitors. The beautifully embellished palace with around 97,000 bulbs is an unmissable spot while you are in Mysuru to participate in the festivities.

 

 

Other events like Dasara Wrestling, Mysore Dasara Flower Show, Cannon Firing, etc will keep you entertained during this festival.

 

If you are visiting the city, get ready to indulge in awe-inspiring festivities and colorful surroundings. After all, celebrating Dasara in Mysore might be the most memorable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.