About Mysuru Dasara
Mysuru Dasara is the ten-day state festival (Nadahabba) of Karnataka, celebrated annually in September–October, culminating on the tenth day, Vijayadashami, marking the victory of the goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura. The preceding nine nights, Navratri, are dedicated to nine incarnations of Goddess Durga.
Its traditions trace back over 400 years to the Wadiyar (Wodeyar) dynasty, inherited from the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–15th century), where it was celebrated as Mahanavami. Raja Wadiyar I revived the tradition in mid-September 1610 at Srirangapatna after the empire’s fall.
Royal Darbar and Rituals
- It wasinitiated by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in 1805 in the Darbar Hall of the Mysore Palace, assembling the royal family, nobles, officials and the public.
- Simhasana: Before celebrations, the Maharani ceremonially joins two golden lions to the royal seat, converting it into the sacred golden throne, displayed publicly only during the ten days.
- Mahanavami Sword Puja: On the ninth day, the royal sword (Pattada Katti) is worshipped and paraded with horses, camels and elephants.
- Present continuity: Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar holds a private, symbolic Darbar; the Mysore Police Band plays the state anthem Kayo Shri Gowri.
Jamboo Savari and Torchlight Parade
- Jamboo Savari: The Vijayadashami procession carries the idol of Chamundeshwari in the 750-kilogram Golden Howdah (Chinnada Ambari) on a lead elephant, moving 4 kilometers from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantap.
- Banni Tree Worship: At Bannimantap, the sacred banni tree is worshipped, linked to the Mahabharata legend of the Pandavas hiding their weapons.
- Torchlight Parade (Panjina Kavayatthu): Held on Vijayadashami night at Bannimantap with synchronized lighting, equestrian events and military drills.
Dasara Elephants
- Dasara Gajapayan: A month before the festival, elephants march ceremonially from Nagarhole National Park to Mysuru.
- Lead elephants: Drona and Balarama carried the Golden Howdah for a combined 30 years, succeeded by Arjuna (from 2012) and Abhimanyu.
Cultural and Culinary Legacy
- Gombe Habba: A doll festival with dolls arranged across 9 levels representing Navratri.
- Dasara Exhibition: Established in 1880 by Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, held opposite the Mysore Palace.
- Mysore Pak: Invented in 1935 by royal chef Kakasura Madappa in the palace kitchens.
- UNESCO aspiration: Karnataka is seeking a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage tag for Mysuru Dasara, following the inscription of Kolkata’s Durga Puja in December 2021.
Conclusion
Mysuru Dasara synthesizes Vijayanagara-era martial-religious tradition with Wadiyar dynasty patronage, centered on the Royal Darbar, the Golden Howdah procession and the Torchlight Parade at Bannimantap. Its continuity for over four centuries, alongside associated cultural and culinary legacies, underpins Karnataka’s bid for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in the following article – Mysuru Dasara’s Ceremonial Elephant March Bids Farewell to Tusker Abhimanyu |