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Vijayadashmi, also known as Dussehra, is a Hindu festival celebrated yearly at the end of Navratri. The festival symbolizes the victory over evil, that is, the death of Ravana by the god Ram. Moreover, Dussehra also represents the victory of the warrior goddess Durga over the monster Mahishasura.
The festival is celebrated with great triumph and positivity on the 10th day of Ashvina. Ashvina is the month of September to October, on the occurrence of a full moon. On the auspicious day of Dussehra, towering effigies of Ravana, representing evil, are set ablaze with fire (mainly through bow and arrow, which Ram used to kill Ravana), symbolizing evil’s demise.
The 10-day Mysuru Dasara celebration is one of the few Indian festivities that has reached a worldwide audience, bringing millions of tourists from all over the world and making it one of India’s most lavishly celebrated holidays. Mysuru Dussehra is the state festival of Karnataka, and it is celebrated in the city with much joy, pomp, and delight.
If you are planning to visit the city, this is the time for top sightseeing in Mysore. Dussehra is the perfect time to visit Mysore since the town gets its name from Mahishru, which refers to Mahishasura, a buffalo demon. According to Hindu legend, the Chamundi Hills were in the capture of Mahishasura until Goddess Chamundeshwari slew him.
Although Dussehra is celebrated throughout India, one of the most remarkable places the festival takes place is in Mysore, Karnataka, where you can observe the regal grandeur of Karnataka in its entire splendour during the 10-day Mysuru Dasara. Following are some of the best places to witness the joy and light of the festival:
During this cultural spectacle, the Mysore palace (the royal house and capital of the Kingdom of Mysore) is lit with thousands of lights. The gorgeously ornamented castle with around 97,000 bulbs is a must-see when in Mysore for celebrations. If you are with the family and want to enjoy seeing the place all 11 days, then you can also search for family hotels near you, like OYO 8646 Mahendra Hotel.
These days, incidents from various Hindu epics and Puranas are narrated using kolu or dolls. The grand climax is highlighted on the tenth day with a stunning parade that begins from the Mysore Palace.
Mysore Dasara, like other locations, is held to commemorate the triumph of good over evil, as popular belief holds that on Vijayadashami, Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Durga, slew the demon ruler Mahisasura. As a result, this event is held to honour the Goddess in her warrior aspect. The royal couple worships the idol of Chanundeshwari at the Mysore Palace before the Jambu Savari. The celebration follows a nine-day festival of Navratri, for which you can stay in a hotel near the palace.
One of the favourite activities of this festival is the Jambu Savari or Elephant procession. During this parade, 12 trained elephants dressed in colourful costumes are led through the streets. One of them is carrying Chamundeshwari’s idol on a gilded mandap. Mysore Palace and proceeds to Bannimantap. In front of the lit palace, various cultural and religious performances reflecting Karnataka’s music, dance, and cultural rituals are performed.
Wrestling has long been a feature of the traditional Dasara celebrations. The Nada Kusti festival is a big draw that attempts to promote this traditional art form. This wrestling event is conducted in the Devraj Urs stadium, next to the Dasara exhibition grounds. Wrestlers from all over the country compete for the championships. For many, seeing a wrestling match is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so you can’t miss it. You should plan for it beforehand and book a nearby family resort in Mysore at an affordable price, such as the OYO 28191 Indra Comforts.
An intriguing exhibition takes place during the Doddakere Maidana. It opens during the Mysore Dussehra festival and continues till December. Several entertainment alternatives, such as a Ferris wheel and other exhilarating attractions. You may even go street shopping, buy cultural and ethnic clothing and decorations, and enjoy outstanding south Indian cuisine.
Mysore is the place of lights and colours this season, from Navratri to Diwali. This year the Mysore Dussehra will be held on Monday, 26 September 2022. After a two-year break due to COVID, 2022 will be the year of total joy and happiness this season. There are such magnificent views that you cannot miss. You go to this vibrant place during the festive season with your friends and family and get the best experience of Indian culture and traditions.
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April 15, 2024 
