robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit) |
corrected content further and improved wording |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{ | {{Short description|State-festival of Karnataka, India}} | ||
{{Redirect|Jamboo Savari|the Indian film|Jamboo Savari (film)}} | |||
{{pp-extended|small=yes}} | |||
{{pp-move|small=yes}} | |||
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2013}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} | ||
{{Infobox holiday | {{Infobox holiday | ||
|begins=September/October per [[Hindu calendar]] | | begins = September/October per [[Hindu calendar]] | ||
|ends= | | ends = 2025 | ||
|longtype=[[Culture of Mysore|Cultural]], Religious ([[Hindu]]) | | longtype = [[Culture of Mysore|Cultural]], Religious ([[Hindu]]) | ||
|type= | | type = Jain | ||
|nickname= | | nickname = | ||
|image={{Photomontage | | image = {{Photomontage | ||
| photo1a = Mysore palace illuminated.jpg | | photo1a = Mysore palace illuminated.jpg | ||
| photo2a = | | photo2a = | ||
| photo2b = Mysore Palace Dussera (29633564994).jpg | | photo2b = Mysore Palace Dussera (29633564994).jpg | ||
| spacing = 1 | | spacing = 1 | ||
| Line 18: | Line 20: | ||
| size = 270 | | size = 270 | ||
| foot_montage = }} | | foot_montage = }} | ||
|duration= | | duration = 9 days | ||
|caption=(Top to bottom, L-R) [[Mysore Palace]] illuminated during the festival, procession of Goddess [[Chamundeshwari]]'s idol, elephant procession on [[Vijayadashami]] | | caption = (Top to bottom, L-R) [[Mysore Palace]] illuminated during the festival, procession of Goddess [[Chamundeshwari]]'s idol, elephant procession on [[Vijayadashami]] | ||
|frequency=Annual | | frequency = Annual | ||
|significance=Marking the victory of good over evil | | significance = Marking the victory of good over evil | ||
|relatedto=[[ | | relatedto = [[Chamundeshwari]] (goddess Shakti), [[Durga]], [[Mahishasura]], [[Ramayana|The Ramayana]], the [[Vijayanagara Empire]], the [[Kingdom of Mysore]], the [[Wadiyar dynasty]] | ||
|firsttime=17–27 September 1610 | | firsttime = 17–27 September 1610 | ||
|celebrations= | | celebrations = Lighting Mysuru Palace, Ramayana theatre, mela (fairs), processions and parades | ||
| holiday_name = | |||
'''Mysore Dasara''' is the | | date = | ||
}} | |||
'''Mysore Dasara''' is the state festival in the state of [[Karnataka]] in [[India]]. It is a 10 day festival, starting with nine nights called [[Navaratri]] and the last day being [[Vijayadashami]]. The festival is observed on the tenth day in the Hindu calendar month of ''Ashvina'', which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.{{Sfn | Encyclopedia Britannica | 2015}}{{Sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=212-213, 468-469}}{{Sfn | Encyclopedia Britannica Dussehra | 2015}} | |||
The Hindu festival of | The Hindu festival of Navaratri and its occasion of [[Vijayadashami]] celebrates the victory of good over evil. According to [[Hindu mythology]], it commemorates the day the goddess [[Durga|Chamundeshwari]] (Durga) slew the demon [[Mahishasura]].<ref name="Fuller2004p117"/> Mahishasura is also believed to be the demon whose slaying by the goddess gave the city the name [[Mysore|Mysuru]]. The Mysuru tradition celebrates the warriors and the state fighting for the good during this festival, ritually worshipping and displaying the state sword, weapons, elephants, horses, along with the goddess in her warrior form (predominantly) as well as the avatar of puri, Ramu. The ceremonies and a major procession is traditionally presided by the king of Mysuru.<ref name="Fuller2004p117">{{cite book|author=Christopher John Fuller|title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC |year=2004|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=0-691-12048-X|pages=114–126}}</ref> | ||
The city of Mysuru has a long tradition of celebrating the Dasara festival with grandeur and pomp to mark the festival. The Dasara festival in Mysuru completed 409th anniversary in the year 2019,<ref name="anniversary">{{cite news|url= | The city of Mysuru has a long tradition of celebrating the Dasara festival with grandeur and pomp to mark the festival. The Dasara festival in Mysuru completed 409th anniversary in the year 2019,<ref name="anniversary">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/400th-Mysore-Dasara-begins-today/articleshow/6709267.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106231912/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-07/bangalore/28256260_1_jumboo-savari-dasara-elephants-theatre-festival|url-status=live|archive-date=2011-11-06|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=400th Mysore Dasara begins today|date=2010-10-07}}</ref> while evidence suggests the festivities were observed in Karnataka state by the Vijayanagara Empire kings in the 91 bce.<ref>[http://www.newsonair.nic.in/Karnataka-Mysore-Dasara-feature.asp Dasara of Mysore] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616050121/http://www.newsonair.nic.in/Karnataka-Mysore-Dasara-feature.asp |date=16 June 2018 }}, All India Radio, Government of India</ref> | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The | The Dussehra festivities were held in the [[Vijayanagara dynasty|Vijayanagar kings]] as early as the 14th-15th Century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/Articles/starofmysore/500yrs.htm|title=WebHost4Life - Web Hosting, Unix Hosting, E-Mail, Web Design|website=ourkarnataka.com|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref> The exact origin of the festival and how long back it dates is unknown. The festival played a historical role in the 14th-century [[Vijayanagara Empire]], where it was called ''Mahanavami'' and the festivities are shown in the relief artwork of the outer wall of the Hazara Rama temple of [[Hampi]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=John M. Fritz|author2=George Michell|author3=John Gollings|title =Hampi |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=gl5NAAAAYAAJ|year =2003|publisher=India Book House|pages=46–47, 87–90|isbn=9788175083363}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=P. J. Marshall|title=The Eighteenth Century in Indian History: Evolution Or Revolution?|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=WT1uAAAAMAAJ|year =2005|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-567814-7|pages=285 note 3}}</ref> | ||
The Italian traveller [[Niccolò de' Conti]] described the festival's intensity and importance as a grandeur religious and martial event with royal support. The event revered Durga as the warrior goddess (some texts refer to her as Chamundeshwari). The celebrations hosted athletic competitions, singing and dancing, fireworks, a pageantry military parade and charitable giving to the public.<ref name=fuller117>{{cite book |author=Christopher John Fuller| title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC |year= 2004| publisher= Princeton University Press|isbn= 978-0-69112-04-85|pages= 117–119}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=S Sivapriyananda|title=Mysore Royal Dasara|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=DVkyFvZL_qMC |year =1995|publisher= Abhinav Publications|pages= 73–75 }}</ref> | The Italian traveller [[Niccolò de' Conti]] described the festival's intensity and importance as a grandeur religious and martial event with royal support. The event revered Durga as the warrior goddess (some texts refer to her as Chamundeshwari). The celebrations hosted athletic competitions, singing and dancing, fireworks, a pageantry military parade and charitable giving to the public.<ref name=fuller117>{{cite book |author=Christopher John Fuller| title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC |year= 2004| publisher= Princeton University Press|isbn= 978-0-69112-04-85|pages= 117–119}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=S Sivapriyananda|title=Mysore Royal Dasara|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=DVkyFvZL_qMC |year =1995|publisher= Abhinav Publications|pages= 73–75 }}</ref> | ||
| Line 41: | Line 45: | ||
==Festivities== | ==Festivities== | ||
[[File:ಮೈಸೂರು ದಸರಾ (Mysore Dasara) 2019 (2).webm|left|thumb|2019 Mysore Dasara]] | [[File:ಮೈಸೂರು ದಸರಾ (Mysore Dasara) 2019 (2).webm|left|thumb|2019 Mysore Dasara]] | ||
[[File:Mysorepalace.jpg|thumb|left|A lit up [[Mysore Palace]], the epicenter of all Dasara festivities held in [[Mysore]]]] | [[File:Mysorepalace.jpg|thumb|left|A lit up [[Mysore Palace]], the epicenter of all Dasara festivities held in [[Mysore]]]] | ||
{{ | The festivities included a special ''durbar'' (royal assembly). It was during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in the year 1805, when the king started the tradition of having a special ''durbar'' in the [[Mysore Palace]] during Dasara; which was attended by members of the royal family, special invitees, officials and the masses. After the death of [[Srikanta Wadiyar]] in December 2013, Dasara celebration in 2014 was celebrated by placing the "Pattada Katti" (royal sword) on the golden throne.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/emotional-start-to-private-dasara/article6447883.ece|title=Emotional start to private Dasara|author=R. Krishna Kumar|work=The Hindu|date=26 September 2014|access-date=22 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140926/nation-current-affairs/article/no-scion-sword-%E2%80%98rules%E2%80%99-mysore-palace|title=With no scion, the sword 'rules' at the Mysore Palace|date=26 September 2014|website=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=2 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/432803/archives.php|title=Royal Sword takes king's place at Khas Durbar|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=22 October 2015}}</ref> But since his accession to the throne in 2015, Maharaja [[Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar]] have been holding the Dasara celebration and durbar. The ninth day of Dasara called as ''[[Navaratri|Mahanavami]]'' is also an auspicious day on which the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession involving [[Dasara Elephants|elephants]], camels and horses.<ref name="esam">Detailed account of the Mysore Dasara festival is provided by {{cite web|work=[[Prabuddha Bharata]]|url=http://www.esamskriti.com/html/inside.asp?cat=441&subcat=440&cname=mysodasa|title=Mysore Dasara - A Living Tradition|publisher=Shri Sanjeev Nayyar|access-date=2007-04-04 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070307104723/http://www.esamskriti.com/html/inside.asp?cat=441&subcat=440&cname=mysodasa <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-03-07}}</ref> | ||
== | ==Lights in Mysore Palace== | ||
The main attraction of the ten-day Mysore Dasara festival is the [[Mysore Palace]] which is lighted daily with nearly 100,000 light bulbs from 7 pm to 10 pm on all days of the festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysoredasara.org/about_dasara.html|title=Mysore Dasara, Nadahabba, Mysore Royal Festival, Karnataka State Festival|work=mysoredasara.org|access-date=22 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829015351/http://www.mysoredasara.org/about_dasara.html|archive-date=29 August 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Various cultural and religious programs highlighting the dance, music and culture of the State of [[Karnataka]] are performed in front of the illuminated Palace.<ref>{{cite web|url= | The main attraction of the ten-day Mysore Dasara festival is the [[Mysore Palace]] which is lighted daily with nearly 100,000 light bulbs from 7 pm to 10 pm on all days of the festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysoredasara.org/about_dasara.html|title=Mysore Dasara, Nadahabba, Mysore Royal Festival, Karnataka State Festival|work=mysoredasara.org|access-date=22 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829015351/http://www.mysoredasara.org/about_dasara.html|archive-date=29 August 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Various cultural and religious programs highlighting the dance, music and culture of the State of [[Karnataka]] are performed in front of the illuminated Palace.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inmysore.com/mysore-dasara|title=Mysore Dasara|work=inMysore.com|access-date=22 October 2015}}</ref> | ||
==Procession== | ==Procession== | ||
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:DarbarHall.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Durbar Hall in [[Mysore Palace]]; venue of the Dasara ''durbar'' (royal assembly)]]--> | <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:DarbarHall.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Durbar Hall in [[Mysore Palace]]; venue of the Dasara ''durbar'' (royal assembly)]]--> | ||
On [[Vijayadashami]], the traditional Dasara procession (locally known as | On [[Vijayadashami]], the traditional Dasara procession (locally known as " jumboo Savari ") is held on the streets of [[Mysore]] city. The main attraction of this procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a golden [[mantapa]] (which is around 750 kilograms of gold) on the top of a decorated elephant. This idol is worshipped by the royal couple and other invitees before it is taken around in the procession. Colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession which starts from the [[Mysore Palace]] and culminates at a place called ''Bannimantap'' where the ''banni'' tree (''[[Prosopis spicigera]]'') is worshipped. According to a legend of the [[Mahabharata]], ''banni'' tree was used by the [[Pandava]]s to hide their weapons during their one-year period of ''Agnatavasa'' (living life incognito). Before undertaking any warfare, the kings traditionally worshipped this tree to help them emerge victorious in the war.<ref name="esam" /> The Dasara festivities would culminate on the night of [[Vijayadashami]] with an event held in the grounds at Bannimantap called as ''Panjina Kavayatthu'' (torch-light parade). | ||
In Mysore, India, the Vijayadashami Elephant procession during Mysore Dasara is called Jumbo Savari (from the British during their control of Mysore State). The original name to this procession is ''Jumbi Savari'' ("going to the Shami (Banni) tree"). Now Goddess Chamundeshwari is taken in procession on an Elephant. But the "Jumbo" name is still intact. | In Mysore, India, the Vijayadashami Elephant procession during Mysore Dasara is called Jumbo Savari (from the British during their control of Mysore State). The original name to this procession is ''Jumbi Savari'' ("going to the Shami (Banni) tree"). Now Goddess Chamundeshwari is taken in procession on an Elephant. But the "Jumbo" name is still intact. | ||
| Line 58: | Line 60: | ||
==Exhibition== | ==Exhibition== | ||
Another major attraction during Dasara is the Dasara exhibition which is held in the exhibition grounds opposite to the [[Mysore Palace]]. The exhibition was started by the Maharaja of Mysore [[ | Another major attraction during Dasara is the Dasara exhibition which is held in the exhibition grounds opposite to the [[Mysore Palace]]. The exhibition was started by the Maharaja of Mysore [[Chamarajendra Wadiyar X]] in 1880 with the sole aim of introducing timely developments to the people of Mysore. The task of holding the exhibition is now entrusted with the ''Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA)''.<ref>{{cite news|title=All roads lead to the expo|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/114895/all-roads-lead-expo.html|date=22 November 2010|access-date=26 October 2023}}</ref> This exhibition starts during Dasara and goes on till December. Various stalls which sell items like clothes, plastic items, kitchenware, cosmetics and eatables are set up and they attract a significant number of people. A play area containing attractions like a [[Ferris wheel]] is also present to provide entertainment to the people. Various Governmental agencies setup stalls to signify the achievements and projects that they have undertaken. | ||
==Other programmes== | ==Other programmes== | ||
| Line 64: | Line 66: | ||
== Controversy == | == Controversy == | ||
The Dasara procession has faced increasing pressure from activists and campaigners to end its controversial use of elephants.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/peta-for-ban-on-elephants-during-dasara/articleshow/65332531.cms|title=PETA for ban on elephants during Dasara - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/using-elephants-for-dasara-procession-is-illegal-says-peta/articleshow/65344894.cms|title=Using elephants for Dasara procession is illegal, says PeTA - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref> Procession elephants, as well as their handlers known as 'mahouts', have died from several shocking incidents over the years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://starofmysore.com/untimely-death-of-mahout-shankara-elephant-gajendra-not-to-participate-in-this-years-dasara/|title=Untimely death of Mahout Shankara: Elephant Gajendra not to participate in this year's Dasara|date=2018-08-19|website=Star of Mysore|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= | The Dasara procession has faced increasing pressure from activists and campaigners to end its controversial use of elephants.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/peta-for-ban-on-elephants-during-dasara/articleshow/65332531.cms|title=PETA for ban on elephants during Dasara - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/using-elephants-for-dasara-procession-is-illegal-says-peta/articleshow/65344894.cms|title=Using elephants for Dasara procession is illegal, says PeTA - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref> Procession elephants, as well as their handlers known as 'mahouts', have died from several shocking incidents over the years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://starofmysore.com/untimely-death-of-mahout-shankara-elephant-gajendra-not-to-participate-in-this-years-dasara/|title=Untimely death of Mahout Shankara: Elephant Gajendra not to participate in this year's Dasara|date=2018-08-19|website=Star of Mysore|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/nation/2018/oct/09/rowdy-ranga-elephant-who-roamed-karnataka-forests-dies-in-tragic-mishap-101812.html|title='Rowdy' Ranga: Elephant who roamed Karnataka forests dies in tragic mishap|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2017/may/06/two-mahouts-killed-due-to-elephants-liquor-aversion-in-karnataka-1601627.html|title=Two mahouts killed due to elephant's liquor aversion in Karnataka?|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/karnataka/everything-you-want-to-know-about-the-dasara-elephants|title=Here is all you need to know about the Dasara elephants|website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd|access-date=2019-01-11}}</ref> | ||
In 2018, leaked footage from the elephants' training ground showed an elephant swaying in distress. International press labelled the video "heartbreaking", and reported on how the elephants must undergo two months of "rigorous training" in order to perform in the procession.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.petaindia.com/blog/elephant-swaying-in-distress/|title=Elephant Swaying in Distress Shows Exploitation Must End|date=2018-10-17|website=PETA India|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref> | In 2018, leaked footage from the elephants' training ground showed an elephant swaying in distress. International press labelled the video "heartbreaking", and reported on how the elephants must undergo two months of "rigorous training" in order to perform in the procession.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.petaindia.com/blog/elephant-swaying-in-distress/|title=Elephant Swaying in Distress Shows Exploitation Must End|date=2018-10-17|website=PETA India|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref> | ||
The Government's decision to invite the [[Booker Prize]] laureate [[Banu Mushtaq]] to kick off the 2025 Mysore Dasara celebrations involving pooja to Goddess Bhuvaneshvari was met with opposition and when a video of her criticizing the devotion of the [[Kannada]] language in the form of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari went viral.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Banu Mushtaq: Why is India's International Booker Prize winner at the centre of a political row? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxpzl12pqeo |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> Petitioners filed court cases regarding religious incompatibility between her and Dasara, a historically Hindu festival but the petitions were dismissed by the Courts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Parmod |date=2025-09-21 |title=‘We are secular, State can’t distinguish’: Supreme Court dismisses plea against Karnataka govt.’s invite to Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara Festival |url=https://theleaflet.in/leaflet-reports/we-are-secular-state-cant-distinguish-supreme-court-dismisses-plea-against-karnataka-govts-invite-to-banu-mushtaq-to-inaugurate-dasara-festival |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=The Leaflet |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 98: | Line 102: | ||
*[http://www.keaonline.in/ Official website of Karnataka Exhibition Authority] | *[http://www.keaonline.in/ Official website of Karnataka Exhibition Authority] | ||
*{{cite web |url=http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in/gallery |title=Mysore Dasara Gallery |work=mysoredasara.gov.in}} | *{{cite web |url=http://www.mysoredasara.gov.in/gallery |title=Mysore Dasara Gallery |work=mysoredasara.gov.in}} | ||
*[ | *[https://www.newskarnataka.com/features/mysuru-dasara-the-mother-of-all-dasaras Mysuru Dasara, the mother of all Dasaras!] | ||
*[ | *[https://www.newskarnataka.com/features/the-nava-durgas-of-dasara The Nava Durgas of Dasara] | ||
*[https://www.karnatakatourism.org/destinations/mysuru-dasara Government of Karnataka Tourism Department about Dasara] | *[https://www.karnatakatourism.org/destinations/mysuru-dasara Government of Karnataka Tourism Department about Dasara] | ||
{{Mysore topics}} | {{Mysore topics}} | ||
Latest revision as of 08:17, 29 December 2025
 .jpg) (Top to bottom, L-R) Mysore Palace illuminated during the festival, procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari's idol, elephant procession on Vijayadashami | |
| Type | Cultural, Religious (Hindu) |
|---|---|
| Significance | Marking the victory of good over evil |
| Celebrations | Lighting Mysuru Palace, Ramayana theatre, mela (fairs), processions and parades |
| Begins | September/October per Hindu calendar |
| Ends | 2025 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | 17–27 September 1610 |
| Related to | Chamundeshwari (goddess Shakti), Durga, Mahishasura, The Ramayana, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Kingdom of Mysore, the Wadiyar dynasty |
Mysore Dasara is the state festival in the state of Karnataka in India. It is a 10 day festival, starting with nine nights called Navaratri and the last day being Vijayadashami. The festival is observed on the tenth day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvina, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.[1][2][3]
The Hindu festival of Navaratri and its occasion of Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, it commemorates the day the goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) slew the demon Mahishasura.[4] Mahishasura is also believed to be the demon whose slaying by the goddess gave the city the name Mysuru. The Mysuru tradition celebrates the warriors and the state fighting for the good during this festival, ritually worshipping and displaying the state sword, weapons, elephants, horses, along with the goddess in her warrior form (predominantly) as well as the avatar of puri, Ramu. The ceremonies and a major procession is traditionally presided by the king of Mysuru.[4]
The city of Mysuru has a long tradition of celebrating the Dasara festival with grandeur and pomp to mark the festival. The Dasara festival in Mysuru completed 409th anniversary in the year 2019,[5] while evidence suggests the festivities were observed in Karnataka state by the Vijayanagara Empire kings in the 91 bce.[6]
History[edit | edit source]
The Dussehra festivities were held in the Vijayanagar kings as early as the 14th-15th Century.[7] The exact origin of the festival and how long back it dates is unknown. The festival played a historical role in the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire, where it was called Mahanavami and the festivities are shown in the relief artwork of the outer wall of the Hazara Rama temple of Hampi.[8][9]
The Italian traveller Niccolò de' Conti described the festival's intensity and importance as a grandeur religious and martial event with royal support. The event revered Durga as the warrior goddess (some texts refer to her as Chamundeshwari). The celebrations hosted athletic competitions, singing and dancing, fireworks, a pageantry military parade and charitable giving to the public.[10][11]
After the fall of the Vijayanagar to Deccan Sultanates, these Hindu celebrations came to an end under Muslim rulers. The Wodeyars of Mysore formed a kingdom in Southern parts of the Vijayanagara Empire and continued the Mahanavami (Dasara) festival celebration, a tradition started initially by Raja Wodeyar I (1578-1617 CE) in mid September 1610 at Srirangapatna.[12][13]
Festivities[edit | edit source]
The festivities included a special durbar (royal assembly). It was during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in the year 1805, when the king started the tradition of having a special durbar in the Mysore Palace during Dasara; which was attended by members of the royal family, special invitees, officials and the masses. After the death of Srikanta Wadiyar in December 2013, Dasara celebration in 2014 was celebrated by placing the "Pattada Katti" (royal sword) on the golden throne.[14][15][16] But since his accession to the throne in 2015, Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar have been holding the Dasara celebration and durbar. The ninth day of Dasara called as Mahanavami is also an auspicious day on which the royal sword is worshipped and is taken on a procession involving elephants, camels and horses.[17]
Lights in Mysore Palace[edit | edit source]
The main attraction of the ten-day Mysore Dasara festival is the Mysore Palace which is lighted daily with nearly 100,000 light bulbs from 7 pm to 10 pm on all days of the festival.[18] Various cultural and religious programs highlighting the dance, music and culture of the State of Karnataka are performed in front of the illuminated Palace.[19]
Procession[edit | edit source]
On Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession (locally known as " jumboo Savari ") is held on the streets of Mysore city. The main attraction of this procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a golden mantapa (which is around 750 kilograms of gold) on the top of a decorated elephant. This idol is worshipped by the royal couple and other invitees before it is taken around in the procession. Colourful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession which starts from the Mysore Palace and culminates at a place called Bannimantap where the banni tree (Prosopis spicigera) is worshipped. According to a legend of the Mahabharata, banni tree was used by the Pandavas to hide their weapons during their one-year period of Agnatavasa (living life incognito). Before undertaking any warfare, the kings traditionally worshipped this tree to help them emerge victorious in the war.[17] The Dasara festivities would culminate on the night of Vijayadashami with an event held in the grounds at Bannimantap called as Panjina Kavayatthu (torch-light parade).
In Mysore, India, the Vijayadashami Elephant procession during Mysore Dasara is called Jumbo Savari (from the British during their control of Mysore State). The original name to this procession is Jumbi Savari ("going to the Shami (Banni) tree"). Now Goddess Chamundeshwari is taken in procession on an Elephant. But the "Jumbo" name is still intact.
After the Jamboo Savari, a torchlight parade takes place in the evening at the Bannimantap Parade Grounds.
Exhibition[edit | edit source]
Another major attraction during Dasara is the Dasara exhibition which is held in the exhibition grounds opposite to the Mysore Palace. The exhibition was started by the Maharaja of Mysore Chamarajendra Wadiyar X in 1880 with the sole aim of introducing timely developments to the people of Mysore. The task of holding the exhibition is now entrusted with the Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA).[20] This exhibition starts during Dasara and goes on till December. Various stalls which sell items like clothes, plastic items, kitchenware, cosmetics and eatables are set up and they attract a significant number of people. A play area containing attractions like a Ferris wheel is also present to provide entertainment to the people. Various Governmental agencies setup stalls to signify the achievements and projects that they have undertaken.
Other programmes[edit | edit source]
On all the 10 days of Dasara, various music and dance concerts are held in auditoriums around Mysore city. Musicians and dance groups from all over India are invited to perform on this occasion. Another attraction during Dasara is the Kusti Spardhe (wrestling-bout) which attracts wrestlers from all around India.[21] There are other events at bannimantap where various groups do bike parades etc.
Controversy[edit | edit source]
The Dasara procession has faced increasing pressure from activists and campaigners to end its controversial use of elephants.[22][23] Procession elephants, as well as their handlers known as 'mahouts', have died from several shocking incidents over the years.[24][25][26][27]
In 2018, leaked footage from the elephants' training ground showed an elephant swaying in distress. International press labelled the video "heartbreaking", and reported on how the elephants must undergo two months of "rigorous training" in order to perform in the procession.[28]
The Government's decision to invite the Booker Prize laureate Banu Mushtaq to kick off the 2025 Mysore Dasara celebrations involving pooja to Goddess Bhuvaneshvari was met with opposition and when a video of her criticizing the devotion of the Kannada language in the form of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari went viral.[29] Petitioners filed court cases regarding religious incompatibility between her and Dasara, a historically Hindu festival but the petitions were dismissed by the Courts.[30]
See also[edit | edit source]
- Arjuna, the lead elephant of the Mysore Dasara procession
- Dasara (disambiguation) — uses of the term in other Indian states
- Dasara Elephants
- Mysore Dasara 2013
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Encyclopedia Britannica 2015.
- ↑ James G. Lochtefeld 2002, pp. 212-213, 468-469.
- ↑ Encyclopedia Britannica Dussehra 2015.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 114–126. ISBN 0-691-12048-X.
- ↑ "400th Mysore Dasara begins today". The Times of India. 7 October 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2011.
- ↑ Dasara of Mysore Archived 16 June 2018 at the Wayback Machine, All India Radio, Government of India
- ↑ "WebHost4Life - Web Hosting, Unix Hosting, E-Mail, Web Design". ourkarnataka.com. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
- ↑ John M. Fritz; George Michell; John Gollings (2003). Hampi. India Book House. pp. 46–47, 87–90. ISBN 9788175083363.
- ↑ P. J. Marshall (2005). The Eighteenth Century in Indian History: Evolution Or Revolution?. Oxford University Press. pp. 285 note 3. ISBN 978-0-19-567814-7.
- ↑ Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 117–119. ISBN 978-0-69112-04-85.
- ↑ S Sivapriyananda (1995). Mysore Royal Dasara. Abhinav Publications. pp. 73–75.
- ↑ Christopher John Fuller (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. pp. 114–115. ISBN 0-691-12048-X.
- ↑ P. J. Marshall (2005). The Eighteenth Century in Indian History: Evolution Or Revolution?. Oxford University Press. pp. 268–270. ISBN 978-0-19-567814-7.
- ↑ R. Krishna Kumar (26 September 2014). "Emotional start to private Dasara". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
- ↑ "With no scion, the sword 'rules' at the Mysore Palace". Deccan Chronicle. 26 September 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
- ↑ "Royal Sword takes king's place at Khas Durbar". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Detailed account of the Mysore Dasara festival is provided by "Mysore Dasara - A Living Tradition". Prabuddha Bharata. Shri Sanjeev Nayyar. Archived from the original on 7 March 2007. Retrieved 4 April 2007.
- ↑ "Mysore Dasara, Nadahabba, Mysore Royal Festival, Karnataka State Festival". mysoredasara.org. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
- ↑ "Mysore Dasara". inMysore.com. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
- ↑ "All roads lead to the expo". 22 November 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
- ↑ "Mysore Dasara - Wrestlers from around India participate in this tournament, which attracts a sizable audience". inmysore.com.
- ↑ "PETA for ban on elephants during Dasara - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
- ↑ "Using elephants for Dasara procession is illegal, says PeTA - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
- ↑ "Untimely death of Mahout Shankara: Elephant Gajendra not to participate in this year's Dasara". Star of Mysore. 19 August 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
- ↑ "'Rowdy' Ranga: Elephant who roamed Karnataka forests dies in tragic mishap". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
- ↑ "Two mahouts killed due to elephant's liquor aversion in Karnataka?". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
- ↑ "Here is all you need to know about the Dasara elephants". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
- ↑ "Elephant Swaying in Distress Shows Exploitation Must End". PETA India. 17 October 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ↑ "Banu Mushtaq: Why is India's International Booker Prize winner at the centre of a political row?". www.bbc.com. 29 August 2025. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ↑ Kumar, Parmod (21 September 2025). "'We are secular, State can't distinguish': Supreme Court dismisses plea against Karnataka govt.'s invite to Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara Festival". The Leaflet. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
Bibliography[edit | edit source]
- Amazzone, Laura (2012). Goddess Durga and Sacred Female Power. University Press of America. ISBN 9780761853145. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
- Coburn, Thomas B. (1991). Encountering the Goddess: A translation of the Devi-Mahatmya and a Study of Its Interpretation. State University of New York Press. ISBN 0791404463.
- Paul Reid-Bowen (2012). Denise Cush; Catherine Robinson; Michael York (eds.). Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-18979-2.
- Constance Jones; James D. Ryan (2006). Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Infobase Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8160-7564-5.
- David Kinsley (1988). Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-90883-3.
- James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z. The Rosen Publishing Group. ISBN 0-8239-2287-1.
- June McDaniel (2004). Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-534713-5.
- Rachel Fell McDermott (2001). Mother of My Heart, Daughter of My Dreams: Kali and Uma in the Devotional Poetry of Bengal. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-803071-3.
- Rocher, Ludo (1986). The Puranas. Otto Harrassowitz Verlag. ISBN 978-3447025225.
- Hillary Rodrigues (2003). Ritual Worship of the Great Goddess: The Liturgy of the Durga Puja with Interpretations. SUNY Press. ISBN 978-0-7914-8844-7.
- "Navratri – Hindu festival". Encyclopædia Britannica. 2017. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
- "Dussehra – Hindu festival". Encyclopædia Britannica. 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
.png){kind=link}