Dasara in Mysore– a Royal festival celebrated with grandeur

Dasara (a.k.a. Dusharah) is celebrated typically in October. The mode and the fervor vary by a great deal across the subcontinent.

Different parts of India celebrate the festival in different ways. Some celebrate it as Navaratri, some as Vijaya-Dashami, and some as Dussehra, in worship of Goddess Durga or celebrating Rama's victory over Rawana. The celebrations vary from a day to nine days (for Navaratri) to a month (for Mysore Dasara).

Known for its magnificent Palaces and Majestic buildings, sprawling gardens and tree lined boulevards, shimmering silks and Sandalwood, the ‘City Royale’ – Mysore, always figures in the tourist’s itinerary. It conjures up visions and memories of the resplendent glory of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings. This former state capital is a seamless blend of the old-world charm and modernity. It retains tradition in music and dance, art and literature.

I hail from Mysore in Karnataka where Dasara is a festival the whole city celebrates. The entire city is decked up and ready to bring on the festivities and pomp associated with this popular festival.

The festival falls in September/October every year and comprises nine nights of worship and celebration, called Navaratri. The tenth and concluding day is called Vijayadasami, signifying the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by Mahishasuramardini, the Goddess Chamundeswari or Durga, the principal deity of the maharajas. Legend has it that Mysore city derived its modern name from Mahishasura.

Goddess Chamundeswari Temple on Chamundi Hill

Mahishasura

Nandi atop Chamundi Hill

Dasara became a Naada Habba (or people's festival) in the 14th century, during the reign of the Vijayanagar kings (1336 A.D. to 1565 A.D.).

On the first day of the Navratri, the king, after a ceremonial bath, worships the family deity in the palace and enters the durbar to the accompaniment of sacred chants and music. He worships the navagrahas (nine sacred deities) and the sacred `kalasa'. Then he ascends the throne at an auspicious moment after going around it three times. The palace lights are lit and a 21-gun salute is given as the royal insignia and sword are presented to him.

Srikantadutta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, the scion of the royal family, on the throne during Dasara celebrations

This year Dasara is being celebrated from the 12^th October to the 21^st October. During Dasara, the entire City is decorated and illuminated. Cultural programmes by famous artists are arranged in the Palace along with Sports, Wrestling, Poet's meet, Food Festival, Film Festival witnessed by a large number of people. Every year a colourful and unique Flower show is also for public display.

The king worships the Goddess Saraswathi on the seventh day and Mahisasuramardini on the eighth. On Mahanavami, the royal sword is worshipped ceremoniously and all the weapons are taken out in a procession of the army, elephants, horses, camels and the royal retinue. Ceremonies are held on the Chamundi Hill.

Navaratri culminates in grand Vijayadasami celebrations, also known as Jambu Savari. The grandeur and magnificence of this event has popularised the Mysore Dasara the world over. On this day, the king worships the royal sword, places it on a palanquin and offers an ash gourd smeared with vermilion as sacrifice to it. He heads the grand procession, seated in the historically famous 75-kg golden howdah bedecked with rare gems and pearls, which is carried by the royal elephant.

Royal elephant Balarama carring the Golden Howdah

Dasara procession

But the most significant change in the Dasara celebrations now is that the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari has replaced the king in the procession. Also absent is the royal procession comprising soldiers. The entire procession comprises of the royal elephants (which come from Nagarhole National Park), horses and tableaus depicting the State Government’s achievements for the year.

Mysore Palace by Day

Mysore Palace illuminated by Night

Temple inside the Palace

Rose Nandi --At this year's Flower Show – made with 40,000 roses

At the Flower Show

Prominent Circle illumination

Decked up streets

Colours shop inside the main market

Flower Vendor in the market

I miss Mysore especially at this time, but these pictures bring back good memories of past Dasara celebrations.

Wishing all of you a very Happy and Joyous Dasara!!

This is my entry to the Jihva Special Edition: The Festive Series hosted by Vee of Past, Present and Me