In Mysore Traditional Dasara procession in grand style is held on the streets on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami. An idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a golden howdah on the back of a caparisoned elephant, which is accompanied by dance groups, tableaux, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels. It is a five kilometer long procession that starts from Mysore Palace and concludes at a place called Bannimantapa, where the Banni tree is worshipped. The grand and most renowned elephant parade is also known as Jumbo Savari.
Note:Mysore Palace Is decorated with more than 97,000 Bulb Lights.
Dasara History:
According to legend, in antiquity, the god Chamundeshwari killed the demon Mahishasura. The day the demon was killed by the goddess, it became “Vijaydashmi”. Vijaydashmi falls on the last day of the Dasara festival.
The festival is an annual festival in Mysore since the 15th century. The celebrations of this event were initially launched by the kings of the prestigious kingdom of Vijayanagar. It is then continued by the Wodeyar leaders of Mysore and thus transformed into a royal feast.
Mysore Dasara Celebrations:
In the 21st century, the Dasara festival processions are carried out in a traditional way. Also called “Jamboo Savari”, processions involve beautifully decorated scrolls of elephants, one of which bears the idol of the god Chamundeshwari. These elephants, accompanied by dance groups, musical groups, folklore, armed forces and real identities, begin their parade through the flame of the Mysore palace and end at Bannimantap. The parade of the torch is traditionally known as Panjina Kavayithu and takes place on the last day of Mysore Dasara.
Another highlight of Mysore Dasara festival is the Dasara exhibition on the floor, just opposite to the Mysore Palace. The exhibition is flooded with stalls selling clothes, cosmetics, food, handicrafts and plastic items. Outdoor games and fun games also become part of the show.
