Mysore Dasara Festival: A Celebration of History and Culture

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 9:28 [IST]

Mysore Dasara, also known as Dasara, is a grand festival celebrated in Mysore, India. This festival is marked by vibrant celebrations and cultural events. It is a ten-day festival that ends with Vijayadashami, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The festival is deeply rooted in history and tradition, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Vijayadashami is the day when Goddess Chamundeshwari defeated the demon Mahishasura. This victory signifies the triumph of truth over evil. The name Mysore itself is derived from Mahishasura. The festival also represents the victory of self-awareness over ignorance, bringing joy to true seekers.

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மைசூர் தசரா, இந்தியாவில் கொண்டாடப்படும் ஒரு பெரிய பண்டிகையாகும், இது விஜயதசமியுடன் முடிவடையும், மேலும் இது நன்மை தீமையை வென்றதைக் குறிக்கிறது. விஜயநகர ஆட்சியாளர்களின் கீழ் 14 ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் மாநில விழாவாக மாறியது, மேலும் ராஜா உடையார் I 1610 இல் ஸ்ரீரங்கப்பட்டினத்தில் நவராத்திரி கொண்டாட்டங்களை மீண்டும் தொடங்கினார்.

Mysore Dasara became a state festival during the 14th century under the Vijayanagar rulers. After their fall, the Wodeyars of Mysore transformed it into a grand spectacle. In 1610, Raja Wodeyar I revived the Navaratri celebrations at Srirangapatna. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III started the tradition of holding a special durbar in 1805.

How Mysore Dasara is Celebrated

The festivities begin with a puja at Mysore Palace. The king takes a ceremonial bath and worships the family deity. He then enters the durbar and worships the navagrahas (nine planets). The royal sword and insignia are presented to him. A grand procession follows, starting from Mysore Palace and ending at Bannimantap Ground.

Key Rituals of Mysore Dasara

The nine evenings of Navaratri are filled with ceremonies, acrobatic feats, wrestling, and fireworks. On the seventh day, the king venerates Goddess Saraswati and Mahishasuramardhini. On Mahanavami, or the ninth day, the royal sword is worshipped. These rituals add to the grandeur of the festival.

Food and Attire During Mysore Dasara

There is no specific attire for Mysore Dasara. However, traditional Indian clothing is often worn during celebrations. The festival features delicious foods like Mysore pak, Murukku, and payasams. These dishes add flavour to the festive spirit.

Kathaa Associated with Mysore Dasara

The legend of Mahishasura is central to Mysore Dasara. Mahishasura was granted a boon by Lord Brahma that no man or animal could kill him. However, he was destined to die at the hands of a woman. Goddess Durga was created by combining powers from Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to defeat him.