Mysore Dasara 2021 Date

Mysore Dasara is a Royal Festival of Karnataka which celebrates victory of Truth over Evil. As per the legend, Goddess Chamundeeswari or Durga killed the demon Mahishasura on Vijayadashami day. On the tenth day during Navratri festival of September-October month, which is popularly known as Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession is held on the streets of Mysore. The 10 Days Dasara festival starts on Wednesday, 6th October 2021 at 09.00hrs offering Pooja to Godess Chamundeshwari on top of Chamundi Hill.

Mysore Dasara festivities, the 10-day festival is celebrated with great pomp and show, attracting tourists from not only India but the whole world. Mysuru was once called ‘Mahishur,’ as it is believed that this is the place where Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Dasara is a 10-day festival which ends on Vijayadashami or the tenth day. The sixth day is in honour of goddess Saraswathi. Eight day is dedicated to Durga and Ninth day is for Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. A grand procession is carried out from Mysore Palace and ending in Bannimantap On the tenth day.

Dasara - State Festival of Karnataka

Dasara is a State festival of Karnataka - Nadahabba, as the celebration of the festival is steered by the Royal Family of Mysore. The royal family of Mysore performs special pooja on Dasara festival. The entire City of Mysore is decorated and illuminated during the 10 days Dasara. The Mysore Palace along with important buildings are illuminated. Cultural programmes along with Sports, Wrestling, Poet's meet, Food Festival, Film Festival are organised. Dasara Exhibition can be seen in the Doddakere Maidana, by the Karnataka Exhibition Authority, where many public and private sector enterprises put up their stalls.

Goddess Chamundeshwari's image taken on Elephant

Goddess Chamundeshwari's image is placed on a golden howdah on the back of a decorated elephant and taken on a procession, accompanied by tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels. The long procession of 5 kilometers starts from Mysore Palace and culminates at a place called Bannimantapa, where the Banni tree is worshipped. The grand and famous elephant parade is locally known as Jumbo Savari. Jamboo Savari and Torchlight Parade are two major attractions on the final day.

The elephants for the Dasara pro essions undergo training for the Dasara day. 12 Dasara jumbos march on the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day.

Mysore Dasara Highlights

Jambu Savari

The Jambu Savari or the Elephant procession is one of the most famous event of this festival which people are looking forward to. 12 trained elephants adorned with colourful attire are taken around the streets. One of elephant carries Chamundeshwari’s idol atop a golden mandap. The Mysore Dasara elephant procession starts from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantap.

Torchlight Parade

The Jambu Savari parade ends at the sprawling Bannimantap Grounds after which torchlight parade starts. It offers a glimpse of the Mysore's glorious history. Events such as spectacular fireworks, bike shows, cultural programs, and laser shows are the big attractions in the 10-day Mysuru Dasara celebration.