Mysuru Dasara: A Grand 10-Day Celebration Concludes in Spectacular Fashion

Mysuru, the splendid palace city of Karnataka, has just bid farewell to the enchanting ten-day celebration of ‘Mysuru Dasara,’ marking its culmination with the grandeur of Vijaya Dashmi. This festivity, known as ‘Nada Habba’ or the state festival, was a splendid tribute to Karnataka’s rich culture, traditions, and regal heritage.

The highlight of this grand finale was the captivating ‘Jamboo Savari‘ procession, graced by a dozen adorned elephants led by ‘Abhimanyu,’ carrying the revered idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the Mysuru royals, atop a majestic 750 kg howdah adorned with gold. Adding a regal touch, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the former king of Mysuru, participated actively, conducting a special pooja to the ‘Shami’ tree at the palace in his resplendent royal attire.

Preceding this grand conclusion were nine days of cultural events and luminous decorations that adorned the palace, streets, roundabouts, and buildings throughout Mysuru, affectionately known as “Deepalankaara.” These radiant adornments bathed the city in a warm glow, complemented by cultural programs held at various venues.

In Karnataka, Dussehra is not merely a festival but a “Nadahabba” or state festival, traditionally overseen by the esteemed Royal Family of Mysore. The ten-day festivities reached their zenith with the ‘Jamboo Savari’ procession on Vijayadashami, an event deeply intertwined with the enduring legacy of Mysuru and its former Royal Family, the Wodeyars.

The grand Mysore Dasara festival was initiated in 1610 by Raja Wadiya, launching these elaborate celebrations that lasted a decade. During Dussehra, the entire city, including the resplendent Mysore Palace, is adorned with luminous grandeur, offering a captivating spectacle.

The illuminated Mysore Palace during Dussehra festivities attracts visitors from across the globe. As in other South Indian states, elephants play a vital role in the Mysuru Dasara procession, with three grand parades, including one on Maha Navami day and two on Vijayadashami.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The ABP Live English