Mysore Dussehra (also called Mysuru Dasara) is among India’s most spectacular and culturally rich Dussehra celebrations. Observed over ten days during the Hindu month of Ashvin (September–October), it culminates on Vijayadashami and is marked by royal pageantry, public rituals, art, music, and a grand procession.
The foundational legend behind Mysore Dussehra centres on Goddess Chamundeshwari (a form of Durga) slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura on the auspicious day of Vijayadashami. According to myth, the demon had terrorised the region, and the goddess, aided by divine intervention, defeated him on the hilltop near Mysore (Chamundi Hills). In fact, the city’s name “Mysuru / Mysore” is often traced to “Mahishasura-ooru” (town of Mahishasura).
Historically, celebrations akin to Dasara are seen in the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–15th century), where royal courts held grand Mahanavami festivities. After the decline of Vijayanagara, the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore adopted and institutionalized the festival. In 1610, Raja Wadiyar began officially holding a 10-day Dasara in Srirangapatna, and later in Mysore when the capital shifted.
Over centuries, the Wodeyars infused the festival with royal rituals — including a durbar (royal court session), sword worship, and a public procession — turning it into a state-level celebration, often called Naada Habba (festival of the land) of Karnataka.
Religiously and symbolically, the festival reinforces the theme of good triumphing over evil. The public rituals, worship of weapons (Ayudha Puja), homage to the goddess, and the culminating procession all echo that moral narrative, while also reinforcing state identity and cultural pride.
The festival begins with a pooja (worship) to Chamundeshwari at the temple on Chamundi Hills. On the ninth day (Mahanavami), the royal sword (Pattada Katti) and weaponry are cleaned, worshipped (Ayudha Puja) and prepared for procession. Throughout the ten days, Mysore Palace and key buildings are illuminated (with ~100,000 bulbs) every evening. Cultural programs, dance, music, theatre, village folk performances, exhibitions, food fairs, and torchlight parades (on some nights) accompany the festival.
The most iconic highlight is the Jumbo Savari (elephant procession) on Vijayadashami. An idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden mantapa/howdah (weighing several hundred kilogrammes, some sources say around 750 kg) atop a caparisoned elephant.
This procession begins from the Mysore Palace and winds through the city, featuring decorated elephants, tableaux, folk dancers, bands, camels, horses, performers and floats. It ends at Bannimantap grounds, where the banni tree (Prosopis spicigera) is worshipped—a ritual linked to legend from Mahabharata (Pandavas hiding weapons behind banni tree) and traditional warrior practices.
At Bannimantap, cultural programs, speeches and guest ceremonies are held. The venue, derived from “banni + mantapa,” is integral to the final day rites.
While Mysore is the epicentre, Dussehra is celebrated all across Karnataka — from small towns to major cities — with local variations. However, none match the scale, ritual richness, and royal legacy of the Mysore festivities.
Elsewhere in India, Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is commonly associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, and regions stage Ram Lila performances, Ravan effigy burning, temple worship and processions. But Mysore Dussehra weaves myth, royalty, cultural spectacle and public participation in a way that few other Dussehra celebrations do. It is the state festival (Naada Habba) of Karnataka, often receiving government support and drawing tourists nationally and internationally.
Over time, Mysore Dussehra has adapted to modern times — adding drone light shows, LED illumination, improved logistics, greater public participation, exhibition halls, trade fairs, and tourism promotion.
Even in challenging times (e.g. during the COVID-19 pandemic), the spirit persevered: although public processions might be curtailed, palace illumination and community celebrations persisted.
Each edition continues to reinforce the linkage between myth and culture, monarchy and people, and tradition and modern spectacle. The many thousands of visitors who flock to Mysore during these days testify to its enduring appeal as both pilgrimage and tourist spectacle.
1. Why is Mysore Dussehra famous?
Mysore Dussehra, or Mysuru Dasara, is Karnataka’s state festival (Naada Habba). It is renowned for its royal traditions, Mysore Palace illumination, the Jumbo Savari elephant procession, and rich cultural programs that attract visitors worldwide.
2. What is the history behind Mysore Dussehra?
The festival traces its origins to Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Historically, the Vijayanagara rulers celebrated Dasara grandly, and in 1610 the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore institutionalized it as a royal festival.
3. What is the highlight of Mysore Dussehra celebrations?
The most iconic event is the Jumbo Savari on Vijayadashami, where an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant in a grand procession through Mysore city.
4. How many days is Mysore Dussehra celebrated?
The festival lasts 10 days, beginning with Navaratri and culminating on Vijayadashami. Each day features rituals, palace illumination, cultural performances, exhibitions, and fairs, with the grand procession marking the finale.
5. When is Mysore Dussehra celebrated in 2025?
Mysore Dussehra 2025 will be celebrated from September 22 to October 2, aligning with the Navaratri period in the Hindu calendar, and culminating on Vijayadashami.
