Happy Dussehra wishes 2018 - Mysore Dasara

Mysore Dasara :

Mysore Dasara is Karnataka’s state festival (Nada Habba). For centuries, this 10-day long festival has been celebrated with extravagance in all parts of the state. The first 9 days of Mysore Dasara are called Navratri and the 10th day marks the celebration of Vijayadashmi. In 2018, the festival completed 408 years of its celebration in Karnataka. Gatherings from all parts of the world flock to the city for witnessing the spectacular celebrations of Mysore Dasara every year.

 When is Mysore Dasara Celebrated?

The festival begins on the first day of Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Ashvin, which usually falls in September or October.

Happy Dussehra wishes 2018 - Mysore Dasara

Happy Dussehra 2018

Mysore Dasara Significance:

The city of Mysore gets its name from the demon Mahishasura. The festival of Vijayadashami marks the victory of good over evil as Goddess Chamundeshwari defeated and killed Mahishasura to end his tyrannical reign. She killed the buffalo-headed monster on the Chamundi Hill and thereafter resided there. The city and the hill still retain their names. During the 15th century, Dasara celebrations reached its zenith under the patronage of Vijayanagara kings. Even after their fall, the Wodeyars of Mysore preserved the tradition. Raja Wodeyar I held an elaborate celebration of Mysore Dasara in 1610 at Srirangapatnam.

Happy Dussehra wishes 2018

The celebration of Mysore Dasara:

The celebrations of Mysore Dasara begin on the sixth day of Navratra which is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The eighth day is held in honor of Goddess Durga and on a ninth day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. During the festival, each nook and corner of the city is thoroughly decorated and the calm life of the city is replaced by festivities and merrymaking on every street. The celebrations begin with the Royal couple from the Wodeyar family worshipping and performing special rituals to please Goddess Chamundeshwari. The ‘puja’ is conducted in Chamundi temple, situated atop the
Chamundi Hill.

A special ‘durbar’ is also held at the Mysore Palace which is attended by select members of the Wodeyar family and special invitees. A special ceremony is held during which the king, Royal Highness Srikantadatta Narsimharaja ascend 7 steps to the elaborately decorated throne in his traditional attire. As part of the celebrations, the Mysore Palace is illuminated on each of the 10 days of Mysore Dasara and several cultural events to showcase the culture of Karnataka are held in front of the palace. The palace remains open to the masses during the festival.

The Karnataka State Government organizes several acts, music, folk dance, flower, film, and food competitions. A major attraction is the wrestling tournament held at Devraj Urs Stadium which is attended by renowned wrestlers from all parts of India. Another highlight of the festivities is the beginning of the Dasara exhibition in Doddakere Maidan which lasts for around two months.

The grand finale of Mysore Dasara celebrations is the Vijayadashmi procession called the “Jumbo Safari” which is held on Mysore’s streets. An idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari graces the streets, placed on a golden “mandapa” over a decorated elephant. The Goddess is worshipped by the Royal couple and then the procession begins from the Mysore Palace. The festival culminates with a spectacular show of fireworks.