Mysuru Dasara, the Royal Festival of Karnataka, is celebrated as a 10-day Festival in Mysuru starting with nine nights called Navratri and last day being Vijayadashmi. The city celebrates this prominent and biggest Festival in a grand way displaying the beautifully decorated Elephants, Camels and Horses walking together in a procession. Lakhs of people visit the city every year during the festive season.
The Significance of Mysuru Dasara
Mysuru Dasara isn’t just a festival—it’s Karnataka’s grandest spiritual and cultural celebration. Celebrated for ten vibrant days during Navaratri, the city transforms into a living canvas of devotion, heritage, and pageantry. At its heart lies the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru, and each ritual pays tribute to her divine energy.
The Rituals & Grand Celebrations
The spiritual core of the festival begins at Chamundi Hill, where sacred pujas and ceremonies are conducted with deep reverence. Every evening, the Mysuru Palace is illuminated with over 100,000 lights, casting a golden glow over the city, and drawing pilgrims, travelers, and photographers alike. Cultural performances, folk dances, and music programs unfold across Mysuru’s many heritage venues—each reflecting Karnataka’s devotional traditions.
The grand finale is the Jamboo Savari, a majestic procession featuring the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari carried on a golden howdah atop a caparisoned elephant. This spiritual spectacle winds through the city, accompanied by priests, musicians, and royal guards—bringing together devotion, tradition, and royal history in an unforgettable experience.
To sum up
Whether you’re seeking spiritual immersion, temple rituals, or cultural insight, Mysuru Dasara offers a sacred celebration unlike any other in India.