Enjoy Mysore Dussehra

An annual, ten day event that sets Mysore buzzing, this one is a treat to participate in. The journey of Mysore Dussehra can be traced back to the year 1610 when King Wodeyar started organising the event. Royal families from India and guests from all over the world would visit Mysore to be a part of the festivities. While the days of royalty are long gone, Dussehra in Mysore has still not lost its grandeur. A must-attend event if you are in the city around this time, don’t miss the spectacular sight of a beautifully lit up Mysore Palace. The palace grounds are thrown open to public with a huge exhibition, quite on the lines of a gigantic local fair, being hosted for them. Vijayadashmi, the main day of these festivities, also sees a huge procession (also known as Jamboo Savari) taking off from the royal palace and culminating at Bannimantap. A huge idol of Hindu deity Chamundeshwari, placed on a golden platform, atop an elephant is a highlight of this procession.
Dussehra in Mysore is nothing like those north Indian Dussehra celebrations, where statues of Ravana, Meghdoot and Kumbhakarana are burned. Celebrations here are entirely different and go on for 10 days. Many must not be aware of the fact that Mysore was named after the evil demon king Mahisasura, who was slaughtered by goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Durga here in the very city. There’s a huge temple on the Chamundi Hills dedicated to the goddess, and the place remains flooded with devotees and travellers during this period.
The city of Mysore looks captivating all covered in colours and light, and people from across the globe visit here to be a part of the grand festivities. The illuminated Mysore Palace is sight to behold and it is recorded that about Rs. 1 crore is spend annually on the maintenance and lighting of the Mysore palace only, which requires around 25,000 bulbs. Specialists are hired to train and prepare the elephants for the majestic processions on the day of festival. These elephants are accompanied with famous dance troupes, folk bands and music people along with police and security forces guarding the members of the royal families and celebrities. This famous parade begins from the Mysore Palace and stops at Bannimantap. An experience to remember!
Some other prime highlights of the Dussehra festivities in Mysore are the brilliant exhibitions that are put on the massive mela grounds, in proximity to the Mysore Palace. These include stalls of food clothes, handicrafts and souvenirs, among others. In addition to these, there are swings for little kids, games section and other amusement rides, where people enjoy a lot. Dussehra in Mysore is an experience of a lifetime, it's so grand, so spectacular and so colourful!
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