Mysuru, the esteemed cultural capital, is poised to unfurl its magnificent tapestry of regal splendor as the historic Mysuru Dasara festival begins this Monday. With traditions echoing the grandeur of the Vijayanagara emperors and meticulously preserved by the Wadiyar dynasty, this annual event is a true marvel.
Scheduled from September 22 to October 2 this year, this 11-day extravaganza will transform Mysuru into a dynamic stage, proudly showcasing Karnataka’s vibrant and enduring heritage.
At its heart, the festival symbolizes the timeless victory of good over evil. The Mysuru celebration specifically commemorates Goddess Chamundeshwari, the region’s revered deity, and her triumph over the formidable demon Mahishasura.
While Dasara is a cherished Pan-Indian festival, its manifestation in Mysuru is uniquely captivating. It seamlessly blends profound religious ceremonies with captivating folk and classical performances, illuminating the rich cultural diversity of Karnataka. It’s no wonder it’s affectionately known as ‘Naada Habba’ – the State Festival.
The roots of Dasara delve deep into ancient religious texts, including the Puranas. Its historical significance is further underscored by vivid accounts from medieval travelers who bore witness to the elaborate celebrations within the Vijayanagar empire, offering invaluable glimpses into its antiquity.
Among these chroniclers were Abdur Razzak of Persia, present in Vijayanagara between 1442 and 1443 CE during Devaraya II’s reign, and Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes, who visited around 1520-22 CE during Krishnadeva Raya’s rule. Fernao Nuniz, also from Portugal, later visited Achyuta Deva Raya’s court around 1535-37 CE.
Archaeological evidence of these grand celebrations is notably found at the Mahanavami Dibba in Hampi. This platform is believed to be where the ‘Bisnaga’ emperors observed the awe-inspiring cavalcade of caparisoned elephants, magnificent horses, and disciplined marching troops during the ‘Great Feast’.
Following the decline of the Vijayanagara kingdom, Raja Wadiyar, who ascended the Srirangapatna throne in 1610 CE, graciously embraced this legacy, ensuring the tradition continued with full splendor.
In 1799 CE, after Tipu Sultan’s defeat by the British, the capital of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom was relocated from Srirangapatna to the modern-day city of Mysuru. With the kingdom restored to the Wadiyars, Dasara celebrations have flourished in the city ever since, embodying a continuous thread of cultural and religious practice.
Leaping into the 19th and 20th centuries, murals within the Jaganmohan Palace and exquisite paintings at the Amba Vilas Palace brilliantly depict the peak glory of Mysuru Dasara. The festival reached its zenith during the illustrious reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who ruled from 1902 to 1940.
Dasara 2025 will be ceremoniously inaugurated at the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills by acclaimed writer Banu Mushtaq, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries in attendance on Monday. In recent decades, Dasara has brilliantly evolved into a key driver for tourism, with the magnificent Amba Vilas Palace – breathtakingly illuminated by 100,000 bulbs each night – serving as its resplendent centerpiece.
For the upcoming 11 days, Mysuru will radiate with festive colors. Folk artistes and cultural troupes will mesmerize audiences across numerous venues. The festival schedule also boasts captivating flower shows, thrilling wrestling bouts, insightful heritage walks, an engaging film festival, inspiring poetry meets, delectable food fairs, energetic Yuva Dasara events, and diverse yoga and sports activities.
As night falls, a staggering 130 kilometers of illuminated streets will transform the city into a vibrant hub of myriad hues. The celebrations will reach their grand crescendo on October 2 with the spectacular Vijayadashami procession, majestically led by caparisoned elephants, conjuring vivid images of a glorious bygone era.