Dazzling Dasara Festivities: Mesmerising Mysore

15th to 24th OCTOBER 2023 – 10 Days

The 10 day long annual Dasara festival is a major festival in the Indian sub-continent.  In the Gregorian calendar it corresponds to either the September or the October month. This year it commences on 15-Oct-2023, and culminates on 24-Oct-2023. Being an important festival in India, it has a lot of pomp and show more importantly, it show cases the culture and religious fervour the festival brings with it and the celebrations takes place on a massive scale in the city of Mysore. Whilst, in North India, the celebrations are quite different, with the depiction of Ramayana an epic, in Mysore the festivals hover around tradition and culture. 

In Karnataka, and more so in Mysore, it is referred to in the local lingo as nadda habba, or the state festival celebrated by Government of Karnataka in consultation with Mysore Royal family and  people of Mysore. It is 10 days of festivities and a visitor should consider himself/herself lucky if they get a chance to witness the cultural pageant associated with this 10 day function. 

Historical perspective:

In Hindu mythology, Navarathri (9 days), culminating on Dashmi (the 10th day), signifies the victory of good over the evil. The legend states, that Goddess Chamundeshwari (alias Durga), eliminated the demon Mahishasura. It is therefore believed that the slaying of Mahishasura by the Goddess gave the city of Mysore its name.  In ancient times, the tradition of Hindu, rituals had to be maintained and probably, the Vijay Nagar kings are the first rulers in the state to start the Dasara festivities, during the 14th and the 15th centuries, emphasizing the historical role of the Vijay Nagar Empire.  Historical evidence of the celebrations can be are shown in the relief art work of the outer wall of the Hazara Rama temple of Hampi. 

What can we see now?

The tradition of holding a durbar in the palace was first implemented by Krishnadevaraja Wodeyar III, over 200 years ago. During those days, this was a unique tradition as special invitees, royal lineage, and the general masses participated. This tradition underwent a change about a decade ago and now only the pattada katti (royal sword), is placed on the durbar throne and worshipped on the final day.  However, since 2015, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar – present Prince reverted to the old tradition of sitting in the durbar. 

Another major attraction is the palace lighting. During the 10 day festivities, the entire palace is lit with electric bulbs, numbering about a lakh of bulbs, therefore, giving the palace a grandeur look.  

Another tradition pertains to the carrying of the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, atop an elephant majestically decked with a golden hood, taking a procession around the city.  Prior to the procession the royal family prays to the Goddess in private, before the commencement of the procession. There are other attractions too to add to the festivities, which are display of a tableau, dance troupe, music bands, camels, horses and elephants, all colourfully attired to make it appear like a mega carnival.  This carnival like atmosphere witnessed by thousands of tourists culminates in a place called Banni Mandap. This procession is also called Jumbo Saavari.  

During the 10 day of festivals, other cultural events are also held in various city auditoriums which include depiction of mythology, folk lore, dance and musical programmes. At Banni Mandap, a motor vehicle cavalcade in various formations is also depicted to display the skill of the motor cycle riders.  The 10 day cultural festival with fun, thus gets concluded with the theme of Victory of the Good over evil, bring the curtains down to a mesmerising Mysore visit.  

How can Skyway tour help? 

Skyway tour is well connected in Mysore too. If proper advance notice is given they would be in a position to organise a proper, curated itinerary covering all the 10 days. If guests wish to avail a truncated  programme covering only the last few days, then, a tailor made plan can also be worked out for a discerning traveller.  Why wait ? It is a golden opportunity to witness once in a year event at Mysore which would be both exciting and thrilling.

Skyway Tour offers 5 itineraries to book and stay in Mysore to see 2 major events of Mysore Dasara for 250 tourists on first come first basis.  

1. Jamboo Savari or Procession which starts on 24th afternoon in front of Mysore Palace.
2. Torch Light parade rehearsal which starts on 23rd evening or on 24th evening.

Festival authorities normally release Gold Cards or Tickets to witness both events.  Skyway team ensures to buy them at cost prices and distribute to tourists who booked Dasara packages in advance  with them only.   

Call and book your package at the earliest - Manju @ 98451 99077 Shylaja @ 98451 88115 Vaibhavi @ 98451 11355. 

Visit: www.mysoredasara.org