Dasara Festivals In Mysore

One aspect of the Raleigh experience is to sock up the local atmosphere and what better way to kick start an Indian experience than visiting the renowned Dasara festivals which last 9 days at the beginning of October. Parading elephants, with traditional dance are just some of the exciting events happening all over the bustling Mysore.....

The origin of Dasara goes way back to the Vijayanagar dynasty in 15th Century. The Wodeyars of Mysore continued this colourful & religious celebration under the leadership of Raja Wodeyar in the year 1610. Dasara is also known as the 'Navarathri', where nine days of worship & celebration culminate on the 10th day, known as 'Vijaydashami'. This has been declared as ‘Naada Habba’ or the State festival.

According to the Dasara event guides, legend has it that the resident demon of Mysore, known as 'Mahishasura' was slain by the goddess in the avatar of Chamundeshwari. (Incidentally the name Mysore is derived from this demon 'Mahishasura') Therefore 'Vijaydashami' is celebrated symbolically as the win of good over evil.